india bhutan ties

April 21, 2026 7:49 PM

India and Bhutan strengthen customs cooperation at 7th JGC meeting in Kerala

India and Bhutan reaffirmed their deep-rooted trade and economic partnership during the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting held in Munnar on April 20–21, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Yogendra Garg, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), CBIC, Government of India, and Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan. The JGC continues to serve as a key institutional mechanism to address customs cooperation, trade f...

April 9, 2026 7:47 PM

Manohar Lal meets Bhutan King, pushes hydropower cooperation and strategic ties

Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal held a key meeting with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, reaffirming the deep-rooted partnership between India and Bhutan, with a strong focus on hydropower cooperation and sustainable development. During his official visit to Bhutan, the minister conveyed greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India and praised the Bhutanese monarch’s leadership in strengthening bilateral ties. He also lauded Bhutan�...

April 9, 2026 3:57 PM

Manohar Lal begins Bhutan visit; India-Bhutan sign key power agreements

Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal arrived in Bhutan on Thursday for a four-day visit, reaffirming the strong bilateral partnership between the two countries with a focus on clean energy and sustainable development. During the visit, India and Bhutan signed two significant agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the power sector. High-level meetings to deepen cooperation Lal held talks with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, where both sides reit...

February 27, 2026 3:20 PM

India, Bhutan step up cooperation on trans-boundary rivers, hydropower projects

India and Bhutan have agreed to further strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers, flood management and hydropower projects during a high-level bilateral meeting held in Thimphu this week, according to an official statement on Friday. The discussions were led by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, who headed an Indian delegation on a four-day visit to Bhutan from February 24 to 27. The two ...

November 26, 2025 11:57 AM

Sacred Buddha relics return to India after 17-day exposition in Bhutan

The sacred relics of Lord Buddha returned to India on Tuesday after a 17-day public exposition in Bhutan, an event marked by significant religious participation and high-level representation from both countries. Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju accompanied the relics back to India and described the experience as an honour. He thanked Bhutan’s leadership and citizens for the ceremonial respect accorded to the relics throughout their stay. Rijiju said ...

November 12, 2025 3:48 PM

PM Modi concludes two-day state visit to Bhutan; India reaffirms support for country’s development vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday concluded a two-day state visit to Bhutan, which further deepened the long-standing partnership between the two countries through key announcements, joint inaugurations, and high-level discussions on cooperation in energy, connectivity, technology, culture, and sustainable development. The visit, held at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, was marked by a series of engagements reflecting the deep friendship and mutual trust that defin...

November 11, 2025 3:16 PM

PM Modi addresses gathering in Thimphu, reaffirms deep India-Bhutan ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a large gathering at the Changlimethang Celebration Ground in Thimphu, highlighting the centuries-old spiritual, cultural, and developmental partnership between India and Bhutan. During his November 11-12 visit, the Prime Minister will attend several official programmes and participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Bhutan Government. Extending greetings to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fourth King Jigme Singye ...

November 9, 2025 4:59 PM

PM Modi expresses gratitude to Bhutan for grand welcome of sacred Buddha Relics from India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed gratitude to people and leadership of Bhutan for giving a grand welcome to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, which reached Thimpu from India. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Heartfelt appreciation to the people and leadership of Bhutan for the reverent welcome accorded to the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India." "These relics symbolise the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony. The teachings of Lord Buddha are a sacred link bet...

November 9, 2025 2:27 PM

Exposition of sacred Buddha Relics in Thimphu strengthens India-Bhutan cultural and spiritual ties: Virendra Kumar

In a profound gesture of spiritual and cultural solidarity, the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi, arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for a public exposition from November 8 to 18. The Indian delegation is led by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, and includes senior Buddhist monks and officials. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the relics were received with reverence by Bhutan’s Home Minister Tshering, Tshoki ...

September 30, 2025 2:07 PM

India announces first cross-border rail links with Bhutan to boost trade

India on Monday unveiled plans to build two cross-border railway links with Bhutan, marking the first such connectivity projects with the Himalayan nation. The initiative, costing over Rs 4,000 crore, aims to strengthen trade ties and enhance economic engagement between the two countries. The projects will connect the Bhutanese towns of Gelephu and Samtse with Kokrajhar in Assam and Banarhat in West Bengal, respectively. The announcement came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held consultat...