Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited Punatsangchhu II hydropower project during his upcoming visit to Bhutan. The two-day trip marks his fourth visit to the Himalayan kingdom since 2014, reflecting the deep and enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.
The visit, scheduled for this month, will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. According to official reports, the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu II project symbolizes a major milestone in India-Bhutan energy collaboration, aimed at ensuring mutual growth and sustainability.
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Strengthening India-Bhutan relations through energy cooperation
India and Bhutan have long shared a special relationship based on trust, cultural ties, and economic collaboration. Over the years, hydropower has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of their partnership. The completion of the Punatsangchhu II hydropower project highlights the continued success of this cooperation.
Built with India’s financial and technical assistance, the project is expected to generate around 1,020 megawatts of clean energy. It will not only help Bhutan meet its growing energy demands but also allow the country to export surplus electricity to India.
Officials from both countries believe the project will further strengthen Bhutan’s position as a leading clean energy producer in South Asia. Moreover, the collaboration showcases how sustainable energy projects can serve as models for cross-border partnerships that prioritize environmental balance.
A reflection of long-standing partnership
Prime Minister Modi’s visit underlines India’s commitment to maintaining close ties with Bhutan. This will be his fourth visit since 2014, following previous trips in 2014, 2019, and 2024. Each of these visits has played a key role in advancing cooperation in trade, technology, and education.
During this visit, Modi is expected to hold talks with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The discussions will likely focus on expanding development cooperation and reviewing the progress of ongoing projects under India’s assistance.
The two sides are also expected to explore new areas of collaboration, including digital innovation, skill development, and cultural exchange. Officials have hinted that new agreements may be signed to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies and border connectivity.
Focus on the Punatsangchhu II project
The Punatsangchhu II hydropower project, located in Wangdue Phodrang District, is one of Bhutan’s most ambitious energy ventures. It was initiated as part of the bilateral agreement between the two countries to harness Bhutan’s hydropower potential for mutual benefit.
After facing multiple delays due to geological and environmental challenges, the project is finally ready for inauguration. Experts say its successful completion represents the resilience and cooperation between the two nations.
Once operational, the project will significantly increase Bhutan’s energy export capacity. It will also contribute to India’s renewable energy goals by supplying clean and sustainable power. Both governments view the project as a symbol of mutual trust and shared development.
Boosting regional connectivity and growth
Apart from energy, Prime Minister Modi’s visit aims to enhance regional connectivity between India and Bhutan. Infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and trade facilitation are likely to be major discussion points during the bilateral meetings.
Bhutan’s strategic location between India and China makes it a vital partner in maintaining stability and cooperation in the eastern Himalayas. Therefore, expanding road networks and digital links between the two countries remains a top priority.
Officials noted that India continues to support Bhutan’s five-year development plans. Through various grant and aid programs, India assists in building schools, hospitals, and digital infrastructure in the country. Modi’s visit is expected to reaffirm India’s commitment to Bhutan’s vision of balanced and inclusive growth.
Strengthening cultural and educational ties
Beyond economic and strategic goals, the visit also aims to deepen cultural and educational connections. Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet Indian students and Bhutanese youth engaged in academic exchange programs.
India and Bhutan share strong people-to-people ties rooted in Buddhism and centuries of cultural interaction. Educational partnerships between universities and institutions in both countries have helped strengthen these links. The upcoming visit is expected to announce new scholarships and digital learning initiatives to promote youth collaboration.
India-Bhutan friendship: A model for cooperation
The inauguration of the Punatsangchhu II hydropower project represents more than just an infrastructure milestone. It stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision between India and Bhutan. The project not only advances Bhutan’s energy independence but also contributes to India’s clean energy transition.
Observers believe that the success of the project will encourage further cooperation on upcoming hydropower ventures, including Kholongchhu and Sankosh. Both governments remain committed to ensuring that such initiatives continue to benefit communities on both sides of the border.
Prime Minister Modi’s repeated visits to Bhutan demonstrate India’s dedication to nurturing regional harmony and mutual respect. His consistent engagement reflects the growing importance of South Asian partnerships based on equality, trust, and sustainable development.
Looking ahead
As the Punatsangchhu II hydropower project prepares for inauguration, both nations look forward to a new era of cooperation. The event is expected to draw attention across the region, highlighting how bilateral ties rooted in friendship can lead to meaningful progress.
For Bhutan, the project promises economic growth and energy security. For India, it strengthens regional ties and reinforces its leadership in sustainable energy collaboration. Together, the two countries continue to set an example of how partnerships built on mutual respect can achieve lasting success.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, therefore, carries both symbolic and practical importance. It reaffirms that India and Bhutan will continue to work hand in hand toward a future powered by clean energy, mutual prosperity, and enduring friendship.
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