Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Tuesday leave for Bhutan on a two-day state visit to attend the 70th birthday celebrations of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan and the father of the current ruler.
The Prime Minister will meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and they will inaugurate the jointly developed 1020-MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. Modi will also meet Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
The Ministry of External Affairs said this was a special visit to honour the fourth king, who has played an instrumental role in shaping Bhutan’s relationship with India. Between 1974 and 2016, he worked with Indian leaders to shape ties from energy to security.
The visit coincides with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha from India. Prime Minister Modi will offer prayers to the holy relics at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
The inauguration of Punatsangchhu-II is considered a major milestone for an energy partnership between the two countries. The two countries are also looking at strengthening linkages by boosting connectivity through rail links and inland waterways transport.
The two sides will also be discussing the new areas of cooperation in “fin-tech, innovation and entrepreneurship”, and “space tech”.
The MEA said that the visit seeks to strengthen the special ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
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“India and Bhutan share a unique and exemplary partnership marked by deep mutual trust, goodwill and respect for each other. The shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people ties are a hallmark of the special partnership. The PM’s visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on ways to further enhance and strengthen our bilateral partnership,” the statement said.
