Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “not only a political leader but a spiritual master.”
The close cultural, spiritual and political connections between the two Himalayan neighbours were in full evidence as Tobgay in the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, also coinciding with the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s Fourth King and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the country.
Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival
The Global Peace Prayer Festival is initiated by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, brings together monks and spiritual leaders from across the world to offer prayers for global peace and well-being.
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PM Tobgay explained that peace is essential for happiness and that it embodies the philosophy of Gross National Happiness that Bhutan stands for governance, spirituality and sustainability intersect for collective well-being.
India-Bhutan Relations: A Partnership of Trust
Bhutan’s relations with India went beyond diplomacy, said Tobgay. Describing PM Modi as his elder brother and mentor, he said Modi’s presence at the festival represents both spiritual solidarity and regional unity.
PM Modi and his host will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project and relaunch the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project during the Indian leader’s visit, key milestones in the history of bilateral cooperation.
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Railway Connectivity & Gelephu Mindfulness City Project
Bhutan is taking a giant leap in connectivity with its upcoming railway project, which will connect it to India. PM Tobgay revealed that the project will cement the friendship between the two nations and will benefit the Gelephu Mindfulness City as a modern, sustainable city envisioned by the King of Bhutan that combines innovation with Gross National Happiness principles, cultural, environmental harmony and social harmony.
India’s Support and Shared Spiritual Legacy
India’s support for the Mindfulness City and the Global Peace Prayer Festival proves the shared spiritual and developmental aspirations between the two countries.
PM Tobgay thanked PM Modi for offering Bhutan sacred relics of Lord Buddha, terming those a gift to the people of Bhutan and to all the worshippers of peace. Anchored not just in policy but in shared values of peace, faith and friendship, the partnership of India is integral to Bhutan’s path toward mindful modernization.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on verified public statements and official media reports. No unofficial or speculative claims have been included.
