Context:
- Former King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4) turns 70 on November 11, 2025.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Bhutan to attend the celebrations in Thimphu.
- The article highlights K4’s legacy and the deep, strategic, cultural, and developmental ties between India and Bhutan.
Key Highlights
- Legacy of K4 (Jigme Singye Wangchuck)
- Ruled Bhutan from age 17 until abdication in 2006 in favour of his son K5 (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck).
- Revered as the “Bodhisattva King”; credited with modernising Bhutan and initiating democratic reforms.
- Pioneered Bhutan’s transition into the 21st century, strengthening governance, economy, and foreign relations.
- India-Bhutan Friendship
- PM Modi’s first foreign visit (2014) was to Bhutan under Neighbourhood First Policy.
- His 2025 visit signals the closeness and trust between the two nations.
- K4 played a critical role in deepening India-Bhutan ties:
- Recognized India as Bhutan’s most reliable partner.
- Invited India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to build Bhutan’s road network.
- Initiated hydropower cooperation with India.
- Hydropower Diplomacy
- Hydropower is the strongest pillar of India-Bhutan cooperation.
- Punatsangchhu-II (1020 MW) hydel project to be formally inaugurated by PM Modi and K5.
- India provides capital investment, repaid through sale of electricity to India at competitively adjusted prices.
- New shift: future hydropower projects to involve private Indian firms (e.g., Tata Power, Adani Power) with Bhutanese companies.
- Broader Development Partnership
- India supports Bhutan in:
- Infrastructure development
- Community projects
- Institutional upgrades
- Monastery restoration
- National Security Cooperation
- K4 remains an advisor to K5 on national security issues.
- Deep understanding of India, China, and regional geopolitics.
- India remembers K4 for Operation All Clear (2003):
- Bhutan’s RBA expelled Indian insurgent groups from camps near the Assam–West Bengal border.
- Enabled Indian Army to arrest militants on the Indian side.
- Symbolism of Modi’s Visit
- Reinforces:
- Mutual trust
- Strategic partnership
- Gratitude for K4’s legacy
- Shared developmental journey
- The celebration is also a reaffirmation of centuries-old India-Bhutan friendship and cooperation.
Relevant Mains Points
India-Bhutan Relations: Pillars
- Mutual Trust
- Geostrategic Cooperation
- Hydropower Partnership
- Socio-cultural affinity
- Economic development assistance
Strategic Importance
- Bhutan lies between India and China, crucial for India’s Himalayan security architecture.
- Bhutan’s stability is central to India’s security in the Siliguri Corridor region.
Role of Hydropower
- Provides 40%+ revenue for Bhutan.
- Strengthens interdependence and long-term strategic cooperation.
K4’s Legacy in India-Bhutan Ties
- Visionary leadership shaping Bhutan’s multi-dimensional development.
- Strengthened bilateral relations with India.
- Personally led Operation All Clear, reinforcing trust.
Challenges Ahead
- Ensuring sustainability of hydropower model.
- Managing Bhutan’s engagement with China (e.g., border talks).
- Balancing environmental concerns in large hydropower projects.
- Adapting to private-sector involvement.
Way Forward
- Diversify economic cooperation: digital transformation, tourism, education, startups.
- Deepen connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Enhance trilateral cooperation (BBIN).
- Strengthen defence cooperation respecting Bhutan’s sensitivities.
- Joint monitoring of border threats.