(Commonwealth_India), and Bhutan’s alliance has constantly been more than just a political pledge; it’s an association built on warmth, belief, and shared dreams. During his two-day appointment in Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi furthered a new chapter to this story, publicizing a ₹4,000 crore (about $455 million) line of credit to aid Bhutan in increasing its clean energy sector. Standing beside King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck against the backdrop of Bhutan’s lush mountains, Modi also inaugurated the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric power project, a massive feat of engineering and a powerful symbol of the deep partnership between the two countries.
Built with India’s support, the new project will increase Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by nearly 40%. For a small, environmentally conscious nation like Bhutan, that’s a big step. The country already produces enough electricity for itself through hydropower, so the extra energy will now be exported to India. India gains clean, renewable electricity to power its growing needs, while Bhutan earns more income to fuel its development.
This newest mission is the fifth main hydropower enterprise supported by India, bringing the total bulk of Indian-assisted projects in Bhutan to close to 3,000 megawatts. It’s an association that has grown from one of simple support into a genuine partnership, two countries working hand in hand to shape a cleaner, more linked future.
And the partnership isn’t just between governments anymore. Some of India’s biggest private companies, Tata Power, Adani Group, and Reliance Power, are now stepping up to help Bhutan harness more of its river power. Among these efforts, the ₹6,000 crore Wangchhu project stands out. Developed jointly by Adani Power and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation, the 570 MW hydro plant will provide electricity during Bhutan’s cold winter months, when rivers slow down, and will export surplus energy to India in the summer. Construction is expected to start in 2026 and finish within five years. Adani Power’s CEO, SB Khyalia, said it best: “Bhutan is a role model for the world in sustainable development.” His words captured what many admire about the country: its ability to grow while staying true to its values and the environment.
Modi’s visit wasn’t only about energy. It was about connection in every sense of the word. He publicized plans to spread India’s railway grid into Bhutan, connecting the border towns of Gelephu and Samtse to India’s scheme. This move could alter life for many Bhutanese farmers and traders, giving them easier admission to India’s vast markets. “Connectivity creates opportunity. And opportunity creates prosperity,” Modi said, capturing the spirit of a partnership built not just on projects, but on people.
The visit also carried an emotional resonance. It coincided with celebrations for the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s beloved former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, a leader admired for steering Bhutan toward progress while keeping its traditions and spirituality intact. Addressing the gathering, Modi spoke warmly about the friendship between the two nations, describing it as “a partnership of trust and development that stands as a model for the entire region.” He spoke not as a foreign guest, but as a friend—one who understood Bhutan’s pride, its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, and its quiet but powerful example to the world.
India’s support for Bhutan goes well beyond energy. Modi reaffirmed New Delhi’s earlier commitment of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s ongoing Five-Year Plan, which focuses on roads, healthcare, agriculture, and finance, the building blocks of everyday life. During the visit, the two sides also signed three new agreements, covering renewable energy, healthcare and medicine, and mental health, reflecting a partnership that is as much about the well-being of people as it is about infrastructure.
Possibly the most forward-looking part of Bhutan’s image is the Gelephu Mindfulness City venture, a bold plan to generate a city that mixes modern progress with spiritual balance. It’s an impression that feels intensely Bhutanese: a place where revolution coincides with calm, and where development doesn’t come at the cost of harmony. India has promised to support this project too, including the creation of a new immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to make movement and trade easier.
With the conclusion of Modi’s appointment, it became evident that the India-Bhutan association remains one of the most genuine relationships in the region. It isn’t about power policymaking or competition; it’s about cooperation and shared purpose. Together, the two countries are presenting the world that development doesn’t have to come at the expense of synchronization, and that true growth is possible when countries cultivate not just side by side, but heart to heart.
