Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome during his state visit to Bhutan from March 22-23, 2024, and also from November 11-12, 2025. He was warmly greeted by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at Paro airport and received a ceremonial welcome. The route from Paro International Airport to Thimphu was lined with Bhutanese people and adorned with Indian and Bhutanese flags. He was also accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Tashichho Dzong Palace.
Key events during PM Modi’s March 2024 visit included:
- Receiving Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Honor: Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the “Order of the Druk Gyalpo,” Bhutan’s highest civilian award.
- Meetings with Bhutanese Leadership: Modi held discussions with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
- Inauguration of Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital: PM Modi and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated this hospital in Thimphu, built with assistance from the Government of India.
- Exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Several MoUs were exchanged between India and Bhutan, fostering greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
- Cultural Engagements: PM Modi attended a cultural program and a Chhipdrel procession.
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Development Cooperation: India announced a doubling of its assistance to Bhutan for its 13th Five-Year Plan.
Key details of his November 2025 visit included:
- Grand Welcome: Prime Minister Modi received a red-carpet welcome and was greeted by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
- Meetings with Bhutanese Royalty and Leadership: Prime Minister Modi had audiences with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He also held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
- Inauguration of Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project: Prime Minister Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck jointly inaugurated this 1020 MW Hydroelectric Project.
- 70th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of the Fourth King: Prime Minister Modi participated in the celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
- Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha: The visit coincided with the exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India.
- Global Peace Prayer Festival: Prime Minister Modi participated in the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
- Inauguration of Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital: Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital.
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Cooperation: The visit aimed to further deepen the bonds of friendship and strengthen efforts towards shared progress and prosperity.
- Exchange of Memoranda of Understanding: Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged.
- India’s “Neighbourhood First” Policy: The visit underscored India’s “Neighbourhood First” Policy.
- Historical Context of India-Bhutan Relations: Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968.
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