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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Bhutan is a visit with a difference. He will travel, on behalf of a grateful nation, to join the 70th birth anniversary celebrations of one of India's most valued friends, the Fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck.The Fourth King reigned from 1972 to 2006 before opting to step down at 51 in favour of his son and also usher in the era of democratic constitutional monarchy in Bhutan. Such peaceful and orderly transfer of power is rare in today's world. His reign saw the transformation of Bhutan from a 'hermit kingdom' to a high income, green and stable society. Even today, he continues to discreetly guide the political transformation. In its own understated way, Bhutan stands out as a model of successful governance and socio-economic development. The credit for this goes to the Fourth King. Those who have dealt with him will vouch for his soft demeanour, sharp intellect, unqualified love for his country and strong spiritual sense. He has the ability to think ahead, anticipate and prepare for change. This is why his counsel is still sought on all critical matters.Further, he shaped Bhutan's relationship with India in all areas, especially security, as evidenced in Bhutan's actions against Indian Insurgent Groups in 2003. One of his last acts before abdication was to revise the 1949 Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Friendship. The updated 2007 Treaty lays the foundation for a more contemporary India-Bhutan relationship based on renewed equality, mutual interest and respect. According to the World Bank, Bhutan's per capita income today exceeds $3,800, well above the South Asian average, while still maintaining almost 72% of its land under forest cover. Its social indicators are among the best in the region. Such success stands in contrast to the internal upheavals and challenges that India's other neighbours have faced in recent years.The Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, being showcased by India as part of the ongoing celebrations, is a special gesture of historical and spiritual significance as they have been sent to only select countries in recent years. In addition, the PM will participate in a Global Peace Prayer Festival, which will include recitations from all sects of Vajrayana Buddhism.Live EventsThe 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, co-developed by India and Bhutan, will also be inaugurated during the PM's visit. This is a fitting tribute to the Fourth King, given that the project was conceived during his time. This will be the second such inauguration after the 720 MW Mangdechhu Project in 2019. So far, India has jointly developed five hydro-electric projects in Bhutan totalling 3156 MW. A number of other hydel and renewable energy projects are in the pipeline involving Indian private companies. India's support in this sector is the centrepiece of the bilateral economic cooperation.India has closely partnered with Bhutan since its first Five-Year Plan in 1971. India has committed ₹10,000 crore for the latest 13th Plan from 2024 to 2029. Connectivity is another defining characteristic of the relationship. This includes an intricate system of cross-border rail links, roads, Integrated Check Posts, trade routes, new immigration points and digital connectivity. Two new railway links are now proposed between Kokrajhar and Gelephu, and Banarhatand Samtse. Among the most visionary projects by Bhutan that India supports is the Mindfulness City Project in Gelephu, near Assam, to evolve into a regional economic hub. In January, the Jogighopa Inland Waterway Terminal next to Gelephu was inaugurated which will serve Bangladesh as well as eastern India. Besides this, India has also extended support to another flagship project of the King, the Gyalsung National Service Programme, a one-year mandatory training module for all Bhutanese youth aged above 18.Amid regional and global upheaval, the success story of a tiny kingdom nestled between the vast Tibetan expanse and a giant neighbour to its South provides a much-needed healing touch, a ray of hope and a model of how disparate nations can amicably coexist.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onNarendra Modi visit to BhutanBhutan India relationsFourth King of BhutanBhutan economic cooperation with IndiaJigme Singye Wangchuck (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onNarendra Modi visit to BhutanBhutan India relationsFourth King of BhutanBhutan economic cooperation with IndiaJigme Singye Wangchuck(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition123View all Stories
