Bhutan Gives Grand Welcome to PM Modi as Thousands Line 45 km Route; New Era of Friendship and Development Unfolds
Thimphu | November 12 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — In an extraordinary display of affection and friendship, thousands of Bhutanese citizens turned the 45-kilometre stretch between Paro International Airport and Thimphu into a vibrant corridor of celebration on Tuesday as they welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Himalayan kingdom.
From schoolchildren waving tricolours to monks offering prayers, Bhutan’s people gave a heartfelt reception that transformed the mountain road into a living symbol of the deep cultural and diplomatic bond between the two neighbours.
A “Human Welcome Chain” for PM Modi
The atmosphere was nothing short of euphoric as residents — from students and farmers to shopkeepers and monks — stood shoulder-to-shoulder along the winding mountain highway. Many waved Indian and Bhutanese flags, clapped, cheered, and showered flower petals as PM Modi’s convoy passed.
Youth groups formed human chains at key junctions, holding banners reading “Welcome to Devbhoomi’s Friend” and “India-Bhutan Forever.”
In villages along the route, families created makeshift welcome arches draped with marigolds and prayer flags, while folk dancers performed brief traditional routines at designated stops. Monks chanted blessings, and school bands played both national anthems, turning the journey into a moving celebration of unity and gratitude.
At several points, locals offered khadar scarves and butter tea to the visiting delegation — gestures deeply rooted in Bhutanese tradition.
Social media in Bhutan buzzed with excitement as videos of the “human welcome chain” went viral under the hashtag #ModiInBhutan, symbolising the people’s admiration for India’s long-standing friendship and support.
Royal Welcome at Paro International Airport
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay personally received PM Modi at the airport with a red-carpet ceremony that blended Bhutanese tradition and state protocol. Honour guards in traditional gho and kira stood lined along the tarmac, while a 21-gun salute echoed through the valley — a mark of the highest diplomatic respect.
Children presented bouquets, and a cultural troupe performed the auspicious “Tashi Lebey” dance, a symbolic expression of joy and auspicious beginnings.
The warmth extended by Bhutan’s leadership and people underscored the profound emotional and strategic bond that defines India-Bhutan relations — a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and cultural kinship.
Celebrating Legacy and Shared Vision
During his visit, PM Modi joined celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who is revered as the architect of Bhutan’s modern democratic and developmental vision.
The event, which also marked the Global Peace Prayer Festival, was attended by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, senior members of the royal family, and dignitaries from across the region.
PM Modi offered his prayers and expressed India’s deep respect for Bhutan’s spiritual and developmental path, describing the kingdom as “a trusted partner and a beacon of mindful growth in the modern world.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Major Announcements
The visit witnessed significant diplomatic and developmental announcements aimed at deepening India-Bhutan cooperation across energy, infrastructure, and sustainability sectors.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
- Inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a landmark collaboration in the India-Bhutan power partnership.
- Exchange of MoUs in the fields of renewable energy, health, and mental wellness.
- Announcement of a ₹4,000 crore Line of Credit from India to support Bhutan’s ongoing and new development projects.
- Launch of an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, Assam, to enhance cross-border connectivity and trade.
These initiatives are part of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, reflecting a sustained effort to prioritise regional partnerships based on mutual growth and respect.
Gelephu Mindfulness City and the Future of Cooperation
A major highlight of the diplomatic dialogue was PM Modi’s reaffirmation of India’s support for Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City Project — a visionary development plan that aims to integrate sustainable living, wellness, and ecological balance.
The project, envisioned by Bhutan’s King, aligns closely with India’s own focus on green growth, digital transformation, and regional connectivity, making it a model for collaborative development in South Asia.
People’s Love Reflects Centuries of Ties
Observers described the turnout as one of the most remarkable in Bhutan’s recent history. Many Bhutanese travelled from remote dzongkhags (districts) — some journeying for hours — just to catch a glimpse of PM Modi.
For many, the gesture symbolised not only appreciation for India’s consistent developmental support but also a shared civilisational bond rooted in Buddhism, culture, and geography.
As one elderly Bhutanese villager told local reporters,
“India stood by us in every challenge — from energy to education. Today, we stand here to show our gratitude.”
A Visit Marked by Faith and Friendship
PM Modi concluded his visit by offering prayers before the Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, a powerful symbol of the shared spiritual heritage between the two nations. The gesture underscored the enduring philosophical and cultural links that continue to guide India-Bhutan relations.
The Prime Minister’s trip not only reinforced India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development but also highlighted how people-to-people connections remain the cornerstone of diplomacy in the subcontinent.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan was more than a diplomatic engagement — it was a celebration of trust, cultural closeness, and shared vision. The overwhelming public turnout, spanning a 45-kilometre “human chain of welcome,” reflected the genuine affection that binds India and Bhutan at the grassroots level.
As both nations step into a new era of collaboration, their friendship continues to serve as a beacon of harmony, sustainability, and mutual respect in the Himalayan region.