Thimphu, November 12, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day official visit to Bhutan on Wednesday, reaffirming India’s commitment to the Himalayan nation’s 13th five-year plan and its broader developmental agenda. The visit underscored the longstanding bilateral ties between the two countries and highlighted cooperation in economic growth, infrastructure, energy, and cultural diplomacy.

During his time in Bhutan, Modi engaged with the country’s leadership at the highest level. He met with former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and expressed appreciation for the former monarch’s decades-long efforts to strengthen India-Bhutan relations. Modi lauded Bhutan’s progress on projects such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City, an economic hub located near the Assam border, which aligns closely with India’s Act East Policy aimed at promoting connectivity and trade in the region.

“This visit allowed for in-depth discussions on cooperation in energy, trade, technology, and connectivity. I also lauded the progress in the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, which strengthens ties and economic collaboration between our nations,” Modi noted in a social media post following his meetings.

Cultural diplomacy was also a central element of Modi’s visit. He joined Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in inaugurating the “Kālacakra Wheel of Time Empowerment” during the Global Peace Prayer Festival. The ceremony, presided over by Bhutan’s chief abbot Je Khenpo, brought together over 30,000 participants, including international visitors and scholars of Buddhism, highlighting Bhutan’s role as a center of Buddhist culture and India’s support for preserving regional traditions. Modi described the ritual as “an important event of great cultural significance for Buddhists around the world.”

Beyond cultural engagements, Modi’s visit had significant economic and developmental dimensions. India reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, which outlines key national priorities for sustainable growth. New Delhi has committed ₹10,000 crore to support initiatives under the plan, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. As part of facilitating cross-border investment, India also proposed the establishment of an immigration check post at Hatisar in Assam to simplify access for investors and visitors to the economic hub.

Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-Bhutan partnership. On Tuesday, Modi inaugurated the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, reinforcing India’s investment in Bhutan’s energy infrastructure. During the visit, the two countries agreed to resume work on the 1,200-MW Punatsangchhu-I project, which, upon completion, will be the largest hydroelectric project jointly developed by India and Bhutan. Indian companies are expected to play a key role in the hydropower projects, and a concessional credit line of ₹4,000 crore for energy projects, unveiled by India during the visit, is aimed at supporting these initiatives.

The visit also highlighted measures to enhance cross-border connectivity and infrastructure. Both nations stressed the importance of integrated check posts, border facilities, and inland logistics infrastructure. India and Bhutan welcomed the operationalisation of the Darranga immigration check post in November 2024 and the Jogigopha inland waterways terminal and logistics park in March 2025. Such initiatives are expected to streamline the movement of goods, services, and people, reinforcing trade and cooperation along the border.

Ensuring a steady supply of essential commodities was another key aspect of the visit. India has institutionalized arrangements for the uninterrupted supply of essential goods and fertilisers to Bhutan, and both sides acknowledged the delivery of the first consignment under this new arrangement. These steps reflect India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s development needs while promoting regional stability and economic integration.

The visit concluded with a gesture of goodwill, as King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck personally came to the airport to see off Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the close personal and diplomatic bonds between the two countries.

Through this visit, India reiterated that its partnership with Bhutan goes beyond mere diplomacy and extends into economic cooperation, cultural engagement, and strategic collaboration. The support for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, combined with commitments in energy, trade, and infrastructure, signals a deepening of bilateral relations aimed at fostering mutual growth and sustainable development. As both countries continue to collaborate on key projects and regional initiatives, the Modi visit is likely to serve as a cornerstone for advancing long-term strategic, economic, and cultural ties between India and Bhutan.