Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Bhutan on November 11-12 to celebrate the 70th birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
According to sources at the Prime Minister’s Office, the timing of Modi’s visit to the Himalayan nation aligns with the 70th birthday of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who is the father of the current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
They said Modi will inaugurate infrastructure projects during his visit to Bhutan and participate in cultural events there. As reported by Bhutan’s media outlet Kuensel, Prime Minister Modi is expected to be a distinguished guest at the celebration of King Maharaja’s 70th birthday. It has also been stated that he will inaugurate the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project during his visit.
On Monday, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay emphasised the development of India-Bhutan relations by stating, “Currently, there has been an increase in cooperation between India and Bhutan. In fact, the foundation of this collaboration was established thousands of years ago, which we continue to enjoy today.
“This is because many spiritual leaders from India have travelled to Bhutan or sometimes to other parts of the Himalayas, residing in Bhutan, and their teachings are not complete until they have personally visited Bhutan. Many have ultimately made Bhutan their home,” he added.
“With the assistance of Prime Minister Modi, the Gelefu Mindfulness City in Bhutan could be transformed into a centre for Vajrayana practice. In the future, it will be possible to achieve much in collaboration with Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India, and the people of India, establishing Gelefu Mindfulness City as a Vajrayana centre,” he said.
“The top leaders of India, including Prime Minister Modi and our beloved King of Bhutan, our fourth King, and our current King, are good friends. They have enjoyed exceptional goodwill and friendship with the leadership of India, particularly with Prime Minister Modi.
“In the past, our cooperation, development partnership, and developmental collaboration have been successful on numerous occasions, and we have greatly benefited from this partnership with India.”
PM Modi last visited the Himalayan nation in March last year.