Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Bhutan from November 11 to 12, 2025

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on a two-day official visit to Bhutan from November 11 to 12, 2025, at the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan.

• The visit coincides with the 70th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Bhutan:

Arrival: On November 11, 2025, PM Narendra Modi arrived in Paro (Bhutan), where he received a ceremonial welcome by the King and Jetsun Pema, the Queen of Bhutan and interacted with Dasho Tshering Tobgay, PM of Bhutan.

Inauguration of Hydroelectric Project:

Overview: PM Narendra Modi and King Jigme Khesar jointly inaugurated the 1,020-Megawatt (MW) Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a run-of-the-river scheme on the ‘Punatsangchhu River, at Thinleygang in Wangdue Phodrang district (Bhutan), marking the bilateral cooperation in hydropower between India and Bhutan.

• The project is expected to generate around 5 billion units of electricity annually.

Financial Assistance: The project is built with Indian financial and technical assistance, encompassing 70% loan assistance and 30% grant, amounting to around Rs.7,290 crores.

• During the inauguration, India also announced a Line of Credit (LoC) worth Rs.4,000 crores, to help Bhutan develop new hydropower and clean energy projects.

Implementation: The project was implemented by the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA-II), jointly managed by officials from India and Bhutan.

Significance: The project marks the fifth GoI-backed hydropower project in Bhutan, totaling the power generation capacity of 3,000 MW.

Celebration: PM Narendra Modi joined as the Guest of Honour at the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty Fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, held at the Changlimithang in Thimphu, Bhutan.

• The event featured cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, and public participation.

Global Peace Prayer Festival: Attended the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu(Bhutan), reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan.

• The festival, which brought together monks, spiritual leaders, and devotees from across the region, was dedicated to promoting peace, harmony, and universal compassion.
• The festival featured the public veneration of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, brought from Piprawha (Uttar Pradesh, UP) for the occasion.

MoUs signed: 

Renewable Energy: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to strengthen cooperation between India and Bhutan in Renewable Energy (RE). Under the MoU, India and Bhutan will work together in areas such as solar and wind power, biomass, energy storage, green hydrogen, and training people in these fields.

• The MoU was signed by Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan; and Union Minister Prahlad Venkatesh Joshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Healthcare: An MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of health and medicine. It covers areas, including medicines and medical devices, maternal health, prevention and treatment of all major diseases, traditional medicine, digital health and telemedicine, and joint research and training of health professionals.

• The MoU was signed by Pemba Wangchuk, Secretary, Ministry of Health, Bhutan, and Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan.

Capacity Building: An MoU was signed between PEMA Secretariat (Bhutan) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) India. The MoU will help both Institutions work together to train mental health professionals and develop local mental health courses to improve services and support research.

• The MoU was signed by Dechen Wangmo, Head of the PEMA Secretariat, and Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan.

Other Announcements:

Bhutan’s Five Year Plan: During the visit, PM Narendra Modi announced the financial contribution of Rs.1,000 crores from India to support the Five-Year Plan (2024-2029) of Bhutan, including the Economic Stimulus Programme.

Immigration Check Post: He also announced the GoI’s decision to establish an Immigration Check Post (ICP) in Hatisar (Assam), with an aim to facilitate smoother and faster movement of people, especially investors, professionals, and visitors traveling to the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan.

• The ICP will enhance people-to-people contact, promote tourism, and encourage trade and investment flows through the Gelephu region.

Grant of Land: The GoI approved the allocation of land in Aaranasi, Uttar Pradesh(UP) for the construction of a Bhutanese Temple/ Monastery and a Guest House, symbolizing the deep cultural, spiritual, and civilizational ties between India and Bhutan.

• The initiative will promote Buddhist heritage exchange and enhance cultural visibility.

About Bhutan:
Prime Minister (PM) – Tshering Tobgay
Capital – Thimphu
Currency – Bhutanese Ngultrum(BTN)