PM Modi Meets Bhutan’s Fourth King, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral and Cultural Ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan’s Fourth Druk Gyalpo, in Thimphu on Wednesday to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and strengthen the historic friendship between India and Bhutan.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that PM Modi extended felicitations to the Fourth King on his 70th birthday, conveying India’s best wishes for his continued health and well-being. The MEA added that the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the King’s leadership and guidance in deepening India-Bhutan relations.
“Both leaders held discussions on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest. They underlined the shared spiritual and cultural bonds that bring the people of the two countries closer,” the MEA stated.
As part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival, PM Modi joined the Fourth King and Bhutan’s current monarch at the Kalachakra initiation ceremony held at Changlimithang Stadium, presided over by Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, Je Khenpo.
During his two-day visit, PM Modi also marked the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and participated in events celebrating Bhutan’s cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
Jigme Singye Wangchuck, born on November 11, 1955, served as Bhutan’s Druk Gyalpo from 1972 to 2006. He is credited with modernising Bhutan, strengthening national cohesion, and promoting the unique Gross National Happiness philosophy that gained global recognition.
Earlier, PM Modi held talks with Bhutan’s current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, covering cooperation in energy, connectivity, technology, capacity building, defence, and security. The two leaders also inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a key India-Bhutan energy collaboration.
Highlighting the enduring cultural and spiritual connections, PM Modi joined the King to seek blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong, a gesture marking both the Fourth King’s 70th birthday and the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
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