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Modi Begins Two-Day State Visit to Bhutan With Hydropower Inauguration on Agenda

Talks will push connectivity, clean energy, tech collaboration under India's grant-backed support for Bhutan's 13th Plan.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Bhutan on November 11–12 for meetings with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
  • Modi and the King will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, which is expected to lift Bhutan’s power capacity by about 40% and expand clean electricity exports to India.
  • The trip coincides with the public exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha in Bhutan from November 8–18, with Modi set to offer prayers at Tashichhodzong and attend the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
  • Bilateral discussions will review new cross-border rail links under the September 29 MoU, including KokrajharGelephu and BanarhatSamtse, budgeted at about Rs 4,033 crore to strengthen trade and mobility.
  • Agenda items include power trade, space cooperation linked to the IndiaBhutan SAT, digital payments such as UPI and RuPay, and implementation of India’s ₹10,000 crore grant for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan.