Celebrating a Sage King: Strengthening India-Bhutan Friendship

Context

1. Bhutan’s former King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4), turned 70 on November 11, 2025, with grand celebrations held in Thimphu.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Bhutan to attend the event, marking not just the birth anniversary of a revered monarch but also a reaffirmation of the special India-Bhutan relationship, built on trust, cooperation, and shared strategic goals.

Legacy of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4)

1. Reign and Role: K4 ruled Bhutan from the age of 17 until his abdication in 2006, handing over power to his son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (K5).
   1. K4 means that he is the 4th king and K5 means he is the 5th king in the dynasty.
2. Modernisation and Governance: He introduced modern education, democratic institutions, and constitutional monarchy, transforming Bhutan’s governance system.
3. Gross National Happiness (GNH): K4 pioneered this unique development model, balancing economic progress with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
4. Public Reverence: Known as the “Bodhisattva King”, he is respected for his wisdom, simplicity, and moral leadership.

India-Bhutan Relations: A Deep and Enduring Partnership

1. Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the celebration reflects India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its commitment to nurturing historical and cultural bonds with Bhutan.
2. Bhutan under K4 strengthened ties with India, recognising it as a trusted partner and security ally in the region.
3. India’s developmental assistance helped Bhutan in infrastructure building, community projects, and institution strengthening.

Hydropower Cooperation: The Pillar of Economic Partnership

1. Hydropower Diplomacy: One of K4’s major legacies was identifying hydropower as Bhutan’s most valuable natural resource.
2. Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project: The 1,020 MW project, built with Indian support, will be formally inaugurated by PM Modi and King K5. It symbolises friendship and shared prosperity.
3. Financing Model: India initially provides capital, which is repaid through power sales to India. Future projects will involve private Indian firms like Tata Power and Adani Power working with Bhutanese companies, ensuring financial sustainability.
4. Outcome: This partnership has made Bhutan one of the few carbon- negative countries in the world and a model for clean energy diplomacy.

Strategic and Security Cooperation

1. Bhutan’s security has always been closely linked to India’s.
2. K4 led Operation All Clear (2003), when the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) expelled Indian insurgent groups sheltering near the border.
3. This showcased Bhutan’s firm commitment to India’s security concerns.
4. K5 continues to consult K4 on national security, foreign policy, and Bhutan-China relations, ensuring continuity in Bhutan’s cautious and balanced diplomacy.
5. India remains Bhutan’s key defence and development partner, ensuring stability in the Himalayan frontier region.

Implications of the Visit

1. Political: Reinforces high-level political trust between the two nations.
2. Economic: Strengthens bilateral energy cooperation and expands private-sector collaboration.
3. Strategic: Enhances coordination amid rising Chinese influence in the Himalayas.
4. Cultural: Symbolises shared Buddhist values and mutual respect rooted in history.
5. Diplomatic: Projects India as a dependable regional partner committed to Bhutan’s sovereignty and progress.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion: A Celebration Beyond Borders

The 70th birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is not merely a royal event but a celebration of India-Bhutan friendship, a relationship built on trust, respect, and shared aspirations. K4’s visionary leadership laid the foundation for Bhutan’s democracy, stability, and sustainable growth. As India and Bhutan embrace modern partnerships in clean energy, connectivity, and strategic cooperation, their enduring bond continues to stand as a model for neighbourly relations in South Asia.