Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday concluded a two-day State Visit to Bhutan, further deepening the special partnership between the two countries through key announcements, high-level meetings, and joint inaugurations across sectors including energy, connectivity, technology, health, and sustainable development.
At the invitation of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Modi visited Bhutan from November 11-12, 2025. His visit underscored the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in mutual trust, respect, and shared cultural and spiritual ties.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “PM Narendra Modi has emplaned for New Delhi after concluding a productive State visit to Bhutan. In a special gesture, His Majesty the King came to see him off at the airport. This visit will further deepen the bilateral friendship and advance cooperation in various areas.”
During the visit, PM Modi held wide-ranging discussions with the Bhutan King, the Fourth King Druk Gyalpo, and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and discussed new areas of collaboration in energy, trade, technology, and regional connectivity.
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, including its Economic Stimulus Programme, and reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s developmental priorities. Under the plan, India has committed ₹10,000 crore in assistance, spanning key projects in energy, infrastructure, and community development.
The Bhutanese side expressed appreciation for India’s sustained partnership, which has played a vital role in Bhutan’s socio-economic transformation.
A key highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project on November 11, in the presence of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha. The project marks another milestone in India-Bhutan hydropower cooperation and will export electricity to India.
Both sides also welcomed the resumption of work on the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project, which, upon completion, will be the largest hydroelectric project jointly developed by the two nations. India also announced a concessional Line of Credit worth ₹40 billion to fund new energy projects in Bhutan.
In a major push for cross-border connectivity, the two countries agreed to enhance border infrastructure and expand linkages. They welcomed the operationalisation of the Immigration Check Post at Darranga (Assam) in 2024 and the inauguration of the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park at Jogigopha in 2025.
PM Modi announced the establishment of a new Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, Assam, to facilitate movement of investors and visitors to the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City – Bhutan’s flagship economic and cultural initiative. The leaders also noted progress on the Gelephu-Kokrajhar and Samtse-Banarhat rail link projects, with a joint Project Steering Committee established for their implementation.
The visit also focused on emerging areas such as digital finance, space technology, education, and healthcare. Both sides welcomed the rollout of Phase II of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enabling Bhutanese visitors to India to make QR code payments using domestic apps.
The two nations also expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation and acknowledged the role of Indian teachers and nurses in supporting Bhutan’s human resource development.
Three key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed during PM Modi’s visit:
* Renewable Energy: Between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
* Health and Medicine: Between the Ministries of Health of both countries.
* Mental Health and Institutional Linkages: Between Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat and India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
PM Modi attended the celebrations marking 70th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo at Changlimithang Stadium as the Guest of Honour and Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) in Thimphu. The presence of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India added spiritual significance to the GPPF event.
Both leaders welcomed the consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Rajgir and India’s decision to allocate land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house, further strengthening cultural exchanges.
As PM Modi departed from Thimphu, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining regular high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation across sectors.
The MEA described the visit as “a reaffirmation of the exemplary friendship between India and Bhutan, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations for regional peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.”
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