Care Beyond Cure
India's emergence as a healthcare destination for South Asia is often measured in numbers: foreign patients treated, hospitals accredited, surgeries performed and revenues earned.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a meeting with Bhutan’s Fourth and former King, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, to discuss cooperation in energy, trade, technology, and connectivity.
(Photo source: X/@MEAIndia)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a meeting with Bhutan’s Fourth and former King, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, to discuss cooperation in energy, trade, technology, and connectivity.
Sharing details on X, PM Modi wrote, “Had a wonderful meeting with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Appreciated his extensive efforts over the years towards further cementing India-Bhutan ties.”
Advertisement
The Prime Minister also highlighted discussions on the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, noting that it aligns with India’s Act East Policy.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “Prime Minister conveyed felicitations on the occasion of the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King and the best wishes and prayers of the Government and people of India for His Majesty’s continued good health and well-being.”
PM Modi thanked the Fourth King for his leadership, counsel, and guidance in strengthening India-Bhutan friendship. Both leaders also deliberated on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest, underlining the shared spiritual and cultural bonds that bring the people of the two countries closer.
Advertisement
He also attended the 70th birthday celebration of Bhutan’s fourth king.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi joined the Fourth King, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan at the Kalachakra initiation ceremony at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival. The prayers were presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
The Kalachakra, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most sacred and elaborate rituals, is being observed as a three-day empowerment ceremony. It confers blessings and authorizations for advanced meditative practices aimed at achieving enlightenment.
This empowerment ceremony is part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025, organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan from November 4 to 17. The Global Peace Prayer Festival is a landmark spiritual gathering that brings together Buddhist leaders, practitioners, and peace advocates from around the world. The Kalachakra Initiation and Empowerment ceremony will be presided over by Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s senior religious hierarch. It offers profound teachings on the sacred connection between individuals and the universe, highlighting the innate Buddha nature present within all beings.
Had the honour of inaugurating Kālacakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo. It was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo which made it even more special. This is an… pic.x.com/H4ZOFvOkZn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2025
Earlier on Tuesday, the Prime Minister held wide-ranging discussions with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The talks covered areas including energy, defense, and technology. PM Modi described the meeting as comprehensive, stating:
“Had a very good meeting with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. We covered the full range of India-Bhutan relations, discussing cooperation in sectors like energy, capacity building, connectivity, technology, defense, and security. India is proud to be a key partner in Bhutan’s development journey.”
Advertisement