New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a state visit to Bhutan from November 11–12 to strengthen the special ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, continuing the tradition of regular high-level bilateral exchanges, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will receive an audience with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. The two leaders will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, developed collaboratively by the Governments of India and Bhutan.
The Prime Minister will also attend celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, and hold discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the statement added.
PM Modi’s visit will coincide with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha from India. He is scheduled to offer prayers at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
India and Bhutan share a unique partnership marked by deep mutual trust, goodwill, and respect. The shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people connections remain central to their relationship.
The Prime Minister’s visit will offer an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on enhancing bilateral cooperation and to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA said.
During the visit, PM Modi is also expected to review progress on two India-Bhutan railway projects — the Kokrajhar–Gelephu line connecting Assam to southern Bhutan and the Banarhat–Samtse line linking West Bengal with southwestern Bhutan.
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,456 crore, will feature six stations, two major bridges, 29 additional major bridges, 65 minor bridges, two goods sheds, a flyover, and 39 underpasses, with completion expected in four years. The Banarhat–Samtse line, costing Rs 577 crore, will include two stations, one major bridge, 24 minor bridges, an overpass, and 37 underpasses, and is projected to be completed in three years.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the railway projects would “enhance the overall connectivity between the two countries.” He added, “The two areas selected are significant. Gelephu is the centrepiece of the Gelephu Mindfulness City — a strategic and visionary initiative conceived by the King of Bhutan. We have expressed our full support for this project, which is envisaged as an economic hub for southern Bhutan and will have a positive impact on the entire region.”
Speaking about the Samtse project, Misri said, “Some of the potential exports from this area to India include dolomite, ferro-silicon, quartzite, and stone chips. Railway transport of cargo is far more economical than road transport, making this project highly beneficial.”
Both railway initiatives stem from agreements signed during PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024.
India remains Bhutan’s largest development partner. Under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–29), India has committed Rs 10,000 crore towards community development projects and program grants, continuing to be Bhutan’s top trading partner.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited India twice this year. In February, he attended the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership inaugurated by PM Modi. Ahead of his second visit in September, the MEA noted that these back-to-back visits reflect the “close cooperation and enduring ties between India and Bhutan, built on trust, goodwill, and regular high-level exchanges.” (ANI)
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