New Delhi |Nov 14, 2025 | www.externalaffairs.in
India and Bhutan marked a major milestone in their long-standing friendship as Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concluded a two-day State Visit to Bhutan from 11–12 November 2025, at the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. The visit demonstrated renewed momentum in India–Bhutan cooperation, covering hydropower, connectivity, renewable energy, health, border infrastructure, and people-centric development initiatives.
Honouring Bhutan’s Fourth King and Advancing Spiritual Diplomacy
Prime Minister Modi was the Guest of Honour at the celebrations marking the 70th Birth Anniversary of Bhutan’s revered Fourth Druk Gyalpo at Changlimithang on November 11. He also participated in the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, where the presence of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, specially brought from India for public veneration, was deeply appreciated by the Bhutanese leadership.
High-Level Engagements and Condolences
Prime Minister Modi held separate audiences with His Majesty The King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and also engaged in wide-ranging discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The talks spanned bilateral priorities and regional and global issues.
His Majesty conveyed condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the Delhi explosion of November 10, and offered prayers for the injured—an expression India warmly acknowledged.
Major Outcomes and Announcements
1. Hydropower: The Cornerstone of India–Bhutan Partnership
Inauguration of 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II
A landmark moment of the visit was the joint inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, constructed under bilateral cooperation. Export of electricity to India has now commenced, reinforcing Bhutan’s status as a key partner in India’s clean energy transition.
Resumption of Work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Main Dam
Both sides agreed to resume work on the main dam structure of the delayed 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Project, which will become the largest India-assisted hydroelectric project once completed.
Boost for Hydropower Investments
Bhutan welcomed the active involvement of Indian companies and appreciated India’s announcement of a concessional Line of Credit of INR 40 billion (₹4,000 crore) to support energy sector projects.
2. Support for Bhutan’s Development Vision
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s full support for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan, including the Economic Stimulus Programme, emphasizing India’s commitment to Bhutan’s sustainable development.
Bhutan, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for India’s continued developmental assistance across sectors during the plan period.
3. Gelephu Mindfulness City: A Major Indo-Bhutan Collaboration
In a significant announcement, India committed full support for His Majesty’s ambitious vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a transformative economic hub.
To facilitate better access and investment flows, PM Modi announced:
Establishment of an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, Assam
This is expected to boost investor movement, tourism, and bilateral connectivity.
His Majesty appreciated India’s support for the Gyalsung Academies, Bhutan’s flagship national youth development programme.
4. Connectivity Gains: Border Infrastructure, Rail Links, and Logistics
Both sides underlined the strategic importance of enhanced cross-border connectivity.
Key developments include:
Operational Milestones
- Immigration Check Post at Darranga operational from November 2024
- Inland Waterways Terminal & Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogigopha, operational since March 2025
Rail Connectivity Breakthrough
- Signing of MoU for Cross-Border Rail Links
Samtse–Banarhat (signed in September 2025)
- Establishment of a Project Steering Committee to fast-track implementation.
Both sides agreed to prioritise Integrated Check Posts and improved border infrastructure.
5. Essential Supplies and Fertilisers: Institutional Framework Established
Bhutan expressed appreciation for India’s steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and fertilisers. The first consignment of fertilisers under the new institutional arrangement has already reached Bhutan.
6. Cooperation in New Sectors: STEM, Space, Fintech, and Digital Payments
The leaders welcomed significant progress in emerging areas:
UPI Phase-II Implementation
Phase II of UPI will soon allow Bhutanese visitors to India to make seamless QR-based mobile payments using their local apps.
Space Cooperation
Both sides noted the successful implementation of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation.
STEM and Public Healthcare
India’s contribution through Indian teachers and nurses was acknowledged for advancing Bhutan’s human resource capacity.
7. Cultural Diplomacy: Temples, Heritage, and Buddhism
Both sides celebrated major cultural initiatives:
- Consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Rajgir
- India’s decision to grant land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house
- Continued collaboration on Buddhist heritage and cultural ties
8. MoUs Signed During the Visit
Renewable Energy Cooperation
- Solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen
- Capacity building and technology transfer
Health and Medicine Cooperation
- Maternal health, communicable/non-communicable diseases
- Drugs, diagnostics, traditional medicine
- Telemedicine and digital health
- Joint research and training
Mental Health Collaboration (PEMA Secretariat & NIMHANS)
- Capacity building of mental health professionals
- Development of local mental health courses
- Strengthening institutional linkages
Deepening a Special Partnership
The Joint Press Release reaffirmed that the India–Bhutan relationship is built on:
- Deep trust
- Warm friendship
- Strong people-to-people ties
- Economic interdependence
- Shared cultural heritage
- Generational goodwill
The visit also underscored the tradition of regular high-level exchanges, which both sides agreed to continue.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s 2025 visit to Bhutan has set a new strategic direction for one of India’s closest partnerships.
With breakthroughs in hydropower, rail connectivity, border facilitation, developmental financing, digital integration, and cultural diplomacy, the visit has strengthened India–Bhutan cooperation and reaffirmed India’s role as Bhutan’s most trusted and long-term development partner.
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