In the crisp mountains of Bhutan, thousands of people lined the 45‑kilometre stretch from Paro International Airport to the capital city of Thimphu to greet India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The crowd formed a living ribbon of warmth: waving the Indian and Bhutanese flags, clapping, singing, and showering the motorcade with petals.
Youth groups built human chains at key points, holding banners that read “Welcome to Devbhoomi’s Friend” and “India‑Bhutan Forever.” In villages along the route, families set up simple arches covered in marigolds and prayer flags. Bhutanese dancers performed short folk routines, and monks chanted blessings as the convoy passed.
Local school bands played the national anthems of both countries. Residents handed khadar scarves and butter tea to the staff accompanying Modi. At the airport, Bhutan’s prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, welcomed the Indian leader with a red‑carpet ceremony. Honour guards in traditional gho and kira marched, and a 21‑gun salute rang across the valley. Children presented bouquets, and a cultural troupe performed the Tashi Lebey dance.
The spontaneous turnout showed deep goodwill on the ground. Many travelled hours from remote dzongkhags just to catch a glimpse. Social media exploded with videos of the “human welcome chain,” trending under #ModiInBhutan.
Later in the day, Modi joined celebrations for the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the Global Peace Prayer Festival. He met the king and the monarch of Bhutan, reaffirming India’s support for the country’s 13th Five‑Year Plan and the Gelephu Mindfulness City vision.
The leaders inaugurated the 1020‑MW Punatsangchhu‑II Hydroelectric Project, a key partnership in renewable energy. They also signed memoranda of understanding on health and mental wellness, and announced a ₹4000‑crore line of credit for Bhutan’s development.
India pledged to set up an immigration check post at Hatisar, Assam, to boost connectivity between the two nations. The visit, part of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, ended with prayers at the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, symbolising the shared spiritual bond and a stronger partnership.
The visit highlighted the close ties between India and Bhutan across infrastructure, health, and culture—showing that even small neighbourly gestures can have a big impact on people’s lives.
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