Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a successful two day state visit to Bhutan. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi, along with the King of Bhutan and the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, inaugurated the Kālacakra or ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment ceremony. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said, the ceremony was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo which made it even more special. The Kālacakra Empowerment, a significant Buddhist ritual, is part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival, which has brought together Buddhist scholars and devotees from around the world.

 

 

Earlier, the Prime Minister announced a concessional Line of Credit of four thousand crore rupees for the Himalayan nation to fund Bhutan’s energy projects.  The announcement followed his meeting with the King of Bhutan in Thimphu, where the two leaders discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister and the King jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, marking a major milestone in India-Bhutan energy cooperation. They also witnessed the exchange of three MoUs in the fields of renewable energy, mental health services, and healthcare to further deepen bilateral ties.

 

 

Prime Minister Modi also met his Bhutanese counterpart, Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The two leaders welcomed the resumption of work on the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project and agreed to ensure its timely completion. Once finished, it will be the largest hydroelectric project jointly developed by India and Bhutan. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing collaboration in STEM, Fintech, and Space. They welcomed progress on Phase II of the UPI integration, which will allow Bhutanese visitors to India to make digital payments using local apps.

 

 

The leaders also noted successful implementation of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation and appreciated the contributions of Indian teachers and nurses in strengthening STEM education and healthcare in Bhutan.