His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan led an emotional mass prayer on Tuesday at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, honoring the victims of the tragic blast in New Delhi. Thousands of Bhutanese citizens gathered to express solidarity with India during the somber ceremony.
The event coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Bhutan, where he joined the nation in celebrating the 70th birthday of the revered former monarch, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Upon his arrival at Paro Airport, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay. Taking to X, Tobgay welcomed Modi, referring to him affectionately as his “elder brother” and expressing delight over the visit.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with King Jigme Khesar and Prime Minister Tobgay. A major highlight of the trip is the joint inauguration of the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a milestone symbolizing the deep and enduring collaboration between the two neighboring nations.
Modi will also meet the fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and participate in the grand festivities marking the monarch’s milestone birthday.
Ahead of his visit, Modi released a statement expressing optimism about further strengthening India-Bhutan relations. “This visit will reinforce our friendship and advance our shared vision for progress and prosperity,” he said. The Prime Minister also expressed his deep respect for the Bhutanese people and their monarchs, emphasizing that the bond between the two nations stands as a testament to mutual trust and goodwill.
Under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Bhutan continues to be one of the country’s closest allies in South Asia. The prayer service and the visit together underscored the nations’ shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and regional cooperation in times of grief and celebration alike.
