Your Majesty The King Of Bhutan,
Your Majesty The Fourth King,
Hon’ble members of the Royal Family,
Prime Minister of Bhutan,
Other dignitaries,
And my brothers and sisters of Bhutan!
Kuzuzangpo la!
Today is a very important day for Bhutan, for the Bhutanese royal family, and for all those who believe in world peace.
India and Bhutan have shared a deep spiritual and cultural bond for centuries. Therefore, it was India's and my commitment to participate in this important occasion.
But today I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrifying incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has left us all deeply distressed. I understand the suffering of the families, who have suffered this loss. The nation stands united with them in grief and support.
I was in contact all night long with all the agencies and key officials related to the case. Discussions were ongoing, and the pieces of information were being put together.
Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The perpetrators behind it will not be spared.
All those responsible will be brought to justice.
Friends,
Today, on one hand, we are gathered here for the Global Peace Prayer Festival under the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava, and on the other, we have the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha on display. Together with this, we are also celebrating the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King.
This event, and the dignified presence of so many of you, reflects the strong bond between India and Bhutan.
Friends,
In India, our ancestors taught us "वसुधैव कुटुंबकम” that is the whole world is one family.
We say – सर्वे भवंतु सुखिन:, meaning, may everyone be happy on this earth.
We say-
द्यौः शान्तिः
अन्तरिक्षम् शान्तिः
पृथिवी शान्तिः
आपः शान्तिः
ओषधयः शान्तिः
That is, may peace prevail across the universe, in the sky, in space, on earth, in water, in medicines, in plants, and among all living beings. With this spirit, India has joined the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan today.
Today, saints from around the world are praying together for world peace. And this includes the prayers of 1.4 billion Indians.
Many may not be aware, but Vadnagar, my birthplace, has long been a sacred centre of Buddhist heritage. And Varanasi, my place of work, is also a revered seat of Buddhist devotion. That is why being a part of this ceremony holds special meaning. I pray that this lamp of peace spreads its light to every home in Bhutan and across the world.
Friends,
The life of His Majesty The Fourth King of Bhutan is a combination of Wisdom, Simplicity, Courage, and Selfless Service to the Nation.
He took on a great responsibility at just 16 years of age. He gave his country fatherly affection and led it forward with a vision. During his 34-year reign, he carried forward both Bhutan's heritage and development.
His Majesty played a decisive role in establishing democratic systems in Bhutan and establishing peace in the border areas.
The idea of "Gross National Happiness” that you introduced has today become an important measure of development across the world. You have shown that nation-building is not only about GDP, but also about the well-being of humanity
Friends,
His Majesty has also played a vital role in strengthening the friendship between India and Bhutan. The bond between our two countries continues to grow on the foundation he laid.
On behalf of all Indians, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Majesty and pray for his good health and long life.
Friends,
India and Bhutan are connected not just by borders but also by cultures. Our relationship is one of values, emotions, peace, and progress.
When I became Prime Minister in 2014, my first foreign trip was to Bhutan. Even now, those memories touch my heart. The friendship between India and Bhutan has great depth and strength. We supported each other in times of difficulty, we faced challenges together, and today, as we advance towards development and prosperity, this bond continues to become even stronger
His Majesty the King is leading Bhutan to new heights. The partnership of trust and development between India and Bhutan stands as a model for the entire region.
Friends,
Today, as both our countries progress rapidly, our energy partnership is further accelerating this growth. The foundation of the India–Bhutan hydropower partnership was also laid under the leadership of His Majesty the Fourth King.
Both His Majesty the Fourth King and His Majesty the Fifth King have promoted the idea of sustainable development and protecting the environment. Because of this vision, Bhutan has become the world’s first carbon-negative country - a remarkable accomplishment. Today, Bhutan is also among the top countries in per capita renewable energy production
Friends,
Bhutan currently produces 100% of its electricity from renewable energy. Taking this progress forward, another major step is being taken today. A new hydroelectric project of over 1,000 MW is being launched, which will increase Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by nearly 40%. In addition, work is also being resumed on another hydroelectric project that had been stalled for a long time.
And our partnership isn't limited to hydroelectricity. We are now taking major steps together in solar energy. Important agreements related to this have also been made today.
Friends,
Today, along with energy cooperation, our focus is also on enhancing connectivity between India and Bhutan.
We all know:
Connectivity Creates Opportunity
And Opportunity Creates Prosperity.
With this goal in mind, a decision has been taken to connect Gelephu and Samtse to India’s extensive rail network. Once completed, this project will provide Bhutanese industries and farmers with easier access to India’s large markets.
Friends,
Along with rail and road connectivity, we are also rapidly progressing on border infrastructure.
India is also extending full support to His Majesty’ vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City. Today, I would like to make another important announcement. In the near future, India will establish an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to further facilitate visitors and investors coming here.
Friends,
The progress and prosperity of India and Bhutan are closely linked. In this spirit, last year the Government of India announced a contribution of ten thousand crore rupees to support Bhutan’s Five-Year Plan. These funds are being utilized across all sectors - from roads to agriculture, from finance to healthcare, helping improve the ease of living for the people of Bhutan.
In the past, India has taken several measures to ensure a steady supply of essential items to the people of Bhutan.
And now, the availability of UPI payments is expanding here. We are also working to ensure that Bhutanese citizens also have access to UPI when they visit India.
Friends,
Our youth are among the biggest beneficiaries of the strong partnership between India and Bhutan. His Majesty has taken outstanding initiatives in national service, volunteer programs, and innovation. His vision of empowering young people and equipping them with technology is inspiring Bhutan’s youth in a significant way.
Cooperation between the youth of India and Bhutan is expanding in many areas like education, innovation, skill development, sports, space, and culture. Today, our young people are even working together to build a satellite. This is a proud achievement for both our nations.
Friends,
One of the greatest pillars of India - Bhutan friendship is our shared spiritual heritage. Just two months ago, the Royal Bhutanese Temple was inaugurated in Rajgir, and now this initiative is spreading to other regions of India.
The people of Bhutan have also expressed their wish for a Bhutanese temple and guest house in Varanasi. The Government of India is providing the required land for this purpose. These temples will continue to strengthen the cherished cultural bond between our two nations.
Friends,
I pray that India and Bhutan keep advancing together in peace, prosperity, and mutual growth. May the blessings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche guide and protect both our countries.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you
Thank you!!!
