Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a large crowd at the Changlimethang Celebration Ground in Thimphu, where he spoke warmly about the deep and time-tested bond between India and Bhutan. He said their connection goes beyond politics, rooted in shared faith, culture, and development goals built over centuries.

During his two-day visit from November 11 to 12, PM Modi is attending several official events and joining the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Bhutan Government.

Greeting King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, PM Modi said the day held special meaning not just for Bhutan but for everyone who values peace in the world. The gathering marked both the Global Peace Prayer Festival and the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, along with the exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha brought from India.

Speaking to the audience, PM Modi said he had arrived in Bhutan “with a heavy heart” after the tragic incident in Delhi the previous night. He said the entire nation was deeply disturbed and assured that “our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The perpetrators behind it will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”

He spoke about the spiritual bond that connects India and Bhutan, saying India has always believed in the ancient ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family. Through the mantra Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, he said, India continues to pray for happiness and peace for all. He added that India’s participation in the Peace Prayer Festival shows the shared vision of both countries in spreading peace and compassion across the world.

PM Modi said not many people know that Vadnagar in Gujarat, where he was born, has a strong link with Buddhist tradition, while Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, where he works, is one of the most sacred centres of Buddhist faith. He announced that India will give land for building a Bhutanese temple and guest house in Varanasi, as a symbol of the friendship between the two nations.

Paying tribute to the Fourth King, PM Modi described him as a “confluence of wisdom, simplicity, courage, and selfless service.” He praised the King for guiding Bhutan through years of transformation while protecting its traditions, building democratic institutions, and promoting peace and development. He said the King’s vision of Gross National Happiness had become a globally respected model for growth centred on human well-being.

PM Modi praised Bhutan for becoming the first carbon-negative country in the world, calling it an “extraordinary achievement.” He said Bhutan leads the world in renewable energy generation and produces all its electricity from clean sources. As part of the India-Bhutan energy partnership, he launched a new 1000-megawatt hydropower project that will increase Bhutan’s energy capacity by 40 per cent, and also announced the revival of another pending project. He added that both countries are expanding their partnership in solar energy as well.

Reaffirming that “Connectivity creates opportunity, and opportunity creates prosperity,” PM Modi announced new plans to strengthen rail and road links between India and Bhutan. He said cities like Gelephu and Samtse will be connected to India’s railway network, giving Bhutanese farmers and industries better access to markets. He also assured India’s full support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and announced a new immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to make travel and investment easier.

PM Modi said that in 2024, India announced a support package of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s Five-Year Plan, aimed at developing key areas like infrastructure, agriculture, finance, and healthcare. He also mentioned efforts to ensure a smooth supply of essential goods and the expansion of UPI digital payments in Bhutan.

Calling young people the “strongest beneficiaries” of India-Bhutan friendship, PM Modi praised Bhutan’s youth for their focus on service, innovation, and technology. He said young people from both countries are now working together in education, skill training, sports, and even space technology, including building a satellite together.

Speaking about the emotional connection between the people of both countries, PM Modi referred to the newly inaugurated Royal Bhutanese Temple in Rajgir and said India will provide land for another Bhutanese temple and a guest house in Varanasi.

Ending his address, PM Modi said, “India and Bhutan are not just connected by borders, they are connected by cultures. Our relationship is one of values, emotions, peace, and progress.” He said he was confident that both nations would continue walking together on the path of peace, prosperity, and shared growth, under the blessings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche.