Committed to advancing unique partnership between India and Bhutan, says PM Modi as he meets Bhutan King in New Delhi
| 2024-12-05
Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on December 5, 2024.
The India-Bhutan relationship is characterised by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding
Continuing with the practice of regular high-level interactions to nurture the strong partnership between the two nations, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck met in New Delhi for bilateral discussions on Thursday (December 5, 2024).
Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to strengthening the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan even as he lauded the King’s vision for his country’s growth and development.
“Delighted to welcome Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Bhutan, to India. Admire His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision for Bhutan’s progress and regional development. We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan," Prime Minister Modi posted on social media platform X.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later called on the King of Bhutan and discussed the steady progress in the bilateral partnership. During the meeting, he assured India's full support for Bhutan’s development goals.
"Called on His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck today. Discussed the steady progress that India-Bhutan partnership is making. Value his guidance for its future growth. Also assured India’s fullest support for the development goals of Bhutan," he posted on X.
Regular High-Level Interactions
The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949, and revised in 2007. India established diplomatic ties with Bhutan by setting up a special office in Thimphu in 1968. This relationship, characterized by profound mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding, has been nurtured through regular high-level visits, symbolizing the strong bond between the two countries.
In June 2014, Prime Minister Modi was on a state visit to Bhutan in his first visit abroad after assuming office. He followed this up with another visit in August 2019, where he launched four major bilateral projects. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's visits to India have also played a key role in reinforcing bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Modi also visited Bhutan earlier this year. Meeting in Thimphu on March 22, 2024, Prime Minister Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck discussed ways to further strengthen the transformative partnership between the two nations.
“They explored initiatives to expand bilateral collaboration in the fields of energy, development cooperation, youth, education, entrepreneurship and skill development. The two leaders also discussed progress in connectivity and investment proposals including in the context of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project,” the MEA said.
While in Thimphu, Prime Minister Modi also held talks with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay; the two leaders decided to provide an impetus to the development partnership between the two nations. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a state-of-the-art mother and child hospital in Thimphu which has been developed with the Indian government’s assistance.
India has consistently supported Bhutan’s socio-economic development by contributing to its 5-Year Plans since the early 1960s.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to strengthening the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan even as he lauded the King’s vision for his country’s growth and development.
“Delighted to welcome Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Bhutan, to India. Admire His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision for Bhutan’s progress and regional development. We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan," Prime Minister Modi posted on social media platform X.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later called on the King of Bhutan and discussed the steady progress in the bilateral partnership. During the meeting, he assured India's full support for Bhutan’s development goals.
"Called on His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck today. Discussed the steady progress that India-Bhutan partnership is making. Value his guidance for its future growth. Also assured India’s fullest support for the development goals of Bhutan," he posted on X.
Regular High-Level Interactions
The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949, and revised in 2007. India established diplomatic ties with Bhutan by setting up a special office in Thimphu in 1968. This relationship, characterized by profound mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding, has been nurtured through regular high-level visits, symbolizing the strong bond between the two countries.
In June 2014, Prime Minister Modi was on a state visit to Bhutan in his first visit abroad after assuming office. He followed this up with another visit in August 2019, where he launched four major bilateral projects. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's visits to India have also played a key role in reinforcing bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Modi also visited Bhutan earlier this year. Meeting in Thimphu on March 22, 2024, Prime Minister Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck discussed ways to further strengthen the transformative partnership between the two nations.
“They explored initiatives to expand bilateral collaboration in the fields of energy, development cooperation, youth, education, entrepreneurship and skill development. The two leaders also discussed progress in connectivity and investment proposals including in the context of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project,” the MEA said.
While in Thimphu, Prime Minister Modi also held talks with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay; the two leaders decided to provide an impetus to the development partnership between the two nations. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a state-of-the-art mother and child hospital in Thimphu which has been developed with the Indian government’s assistance.
India has consistently supported Bhutan’s socio-economic development by contributing to its 5-Year Plans since the early 1960s.
Ceasefire Agreed in Oleshky Amid Ukraine's Humanitarian Crisis
Russia and Ukraine reach a ceasefire deal in Oleshky as humanitarian conditions worsen for civilians, allowing aid and evacuation efforts.
| 2026-10-24
Donald Trump Hints at US Interest in Cuba After Conflict in Iran
Former President Donald Trump suggests a potential US focus on Cuba following military operations in Iran, stirring international speculation.
| 2026-10-24
UK Court Rules Against India in RAKIA Investment Dispute
The English Court of Appeal dismisses India's appeal over a bauxite supply agreement dispute with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority.
| 2026-10-24
India Raises Concerns Over Chinese Border Patrolling Deviations
India's Ministry of External Affairs addresses China's border patrol irregularities amid rising tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
| 2026-10-24
Akhilesh Yadav Questions Seat-Sharing Figures Amid Congress Demand
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav casts doubt on seat-sharing claims as Congress seeks 175 to 200 seats ahead of upcoming elections.
| 2026-10-24