Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday thanked Bhutan after the King of  Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, dedicated Stupa number 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rijiju represented India at the ceremony to raise and consecrate 108 Stupas in Gelephu Mindfulness City.

In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, “It's a huge honour for India that very sacred stupa 76 is dedicated to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji for his outstanding vision and commitment to friendship between India and Bhutan. On the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen, joined the sacred ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, marking the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, accompanied by the blowing of Dungchens.”

He further added, “Paid my respects and offered prayers in the presence of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan & the people of Bhutan. A deeply meaningful spiritual occasion, reflecting Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage and the enduring bonds of friendship between our two nations.”

According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Rijiju conveyed Prime Minister Modi's gratitude to the King of Bhutan for dedicating a Stupa to him as part of the project.

The 108 Stupas project was conceived by the King of Bhutan, who also led its implementation. Thousands of volunteers erected all 108 Stupas in a single day. Each Stupa stands 15 metres tall, with 108 metres between them, along an 11.7-kilometre stretch of the Aie (Mau) River in Gelephu Mindfulness City, near the Assam border.

The project aims to establish Gelephu Mindfulness City as a major centre of Vajrayana Buddhism. It also seeks to reflect Bhutan's cultural values and heritage, the ministry said.

Earlier on Sunday, Rijiju met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Gelephu. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring the potential of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

“Delighted to call on H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, in Gelephu today. Had a warm and very positive discussion on India-Bhutan partnership, and the immense potential of the Gelephu Mindfulness City for both nations. India remains a steadfast partner in Bhutan’s path of growth and prosperity," Rijiju posted on X.

The Union Minister is visiting Bhutan from October 31 to November 2. India and Bhutan continue to cooperate across several sectors, including development, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and cultural exchanges.