Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bhutan’s former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck and participated in the Kalachakra initiation ceremony as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu on Wednesday.
As Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Bhutan, India reaffirmed its strong support for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, which includes an economic stimulus package aimed at promoting sustainable growth and achieving key national development goals. India also expressed its continued backing for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a major economic hub being developed near the Assam border.
Following his meeting with the former king, Modi praised Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s long-standing efforts to strengthen India-Bhutan relations. “Discussed cooperation in energy, trade, technology and connectivity. Lauded the progress in the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, which aligns with our Act East Policy,” Modi said in a post on social media.
Modi also joined Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck in inaugurating the “Kalachakra Wheel of Time Empowerment” at the Global Peace Prayer Festival. The ceremony was led by Bhutan’s chief abbot Je Khenpo.
“This is an important ritual with great cultural significance for Buddhists around the world. The Kalachakra Empowerment is a part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival which has brought together devotees and scholars of Buddhism to Bhutan,” Modi shared online. More than 30,000 people, including international visitors, attended the event.
During his meetings with Bhutan’s leadership, Modi reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to supporting the country’s 13th five-year plan, for which New Delhi has pledged ₹10,000 crore. He also assured full cooperation in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, including the establishment of an immigration check post at Hatisar in Assam to make it easier for investors and visitors to reach the upcoming economic zone, according to a joint statement.
Following the inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project on Tuesday, India and Bhutan also agreed to resume work on the dam structure of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project and ensure its early completion. Once finished, it will become the largest hydroelectric venture jointly developed by the two nations.
India is also working to involve Indian companies in new hydropower projects in Bhutan, which will benefit from a ₹4,000 crore concessional credit line for energy initiatives announced earlier this week.
The joint statement further highlighted both nations’ shared focus on enhancing cross-border connectivity and border infrastructure, including setting up more integrated check posts. Both sides welcomed the operationalisation of the Darranga immigration post in November 2024 and the inland waterways terminal and logistics park at Jogigopha in March.
India has also institutionalised mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and fertilisers to Bhutan. The two countries noted the successful delivery of the first fertiliser consignment under this new arrangement.
As a gesture of friendship, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck personally came to the airport to see off Prime Minister Modi at the end of his visit.
