The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament of Bhutan in Thimphu.
The Prime Minister said that in the last century or so, while the global trend has largely been of expansion and centralization of power, Bhutan has been an exception. It laid the strong foundation for democracy, and has made the transition to a constitutionally established democracy.
The Prime Minister said 7 years is a short time in the history of a country’s democracy. But in this short time, the people of Bhutan have developed faith in the institutions of democracy. There has also been a change in Government. This reflects the maturity and awareness of the people. Shri Modi said India had also witnessed an election recently, and the people of India had voted for good governance and development.
Referring to the welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Jigme Zangpo, Speaker of the National Assembly, that the stronger India is, the better it is for Bhutan, the Prime Minister said he agreed. He added that the entire region, especially the SAARC countries, would benefit if India is prosperous. Only a strong, prosperous India can help alleviate the problems that its neighbours face, Shri Modi said.
Speaking about the India-Bhutan relationship, the Prime Minister said this is not just based on administrative ties. He said both India and Bhutan have seen transitions of power, but the relationship has remained strong. This is because the relationship is based on a shared cultural heritage. We have opened our hearts for each other, Shri Modi said, adding that leaderships may change, but these open hearts will not close, and the heritage that this relationship represented would be nurtured by future generations. India’s people and Government are committed to it, he said.
Referring to the development that has been achieved in Bhutan despite the constraints imposed by nature, Shri Modi said that in future, many small countries across the world will treat this as a model. He said while the world talks of GDP, you talk of Gross National Happiness, and this is because the leadership is concerned about the last man in the line.
Shri Modi said the plans to harness Bhutan’s hydropower potential were not just about Bhutan’s economy, or meeting India’s energy needs, but a small contribution to the fight against global warming.
The Prime Minister also talked about the large contribution made for education in Bhutan’s budget, and said this reflected Bhutan’s investment in the future generations. He said India was keen to make a contribution to this cause. He said India would help set up an e-library in Bhutan, for the benefit of the youth, which would help them connect with the world. He said India would also double the scholarships that are being given to Bhutanese students.
Stating that India and Bhutan must think of how to take the relationship even further, Shri Modi suggested that the Himalayan states of India, along with Bhutan, and perhaps Nepal, could hold a sports meet every year. He said connecting people through sports, brings sportsman spirit, and that contributes to happiness.
The Prime Minister said India’s space technology could also be harnessed to help Bhutan develop even further.
Shri Narendra Modi said people sometimes said the Himalayas separated us. But he thought the Himalayas united us, as they are a part of our common heritage. He said people on both sides of the Himalayas looked up to them as a source of strength. But the need of the hour is to study various aspects of the Himalayas. He said India had already set up a National Action Plan for Climate Change. He said a National Mission for sustaining the Himalayan System could also be considered. He said India also wanted a Central University for Himalayan Studies to be established, and Bhutan would benefit a lot from it.
The Prime Minister said India and Bhutan could together form a holistic approach to tourism, and develop a circuit combining India’s North-Eastern states and Bhutan. He said “Terrorism divides. Tourism unites,” and added that if Bhutan’s natural wealth and capabilities join together, it will be a big invitation for the world.
The Prime Minister referred to a quote from the third King of Bhutan: like milk and water, India and Bhutan cannot be separated. He said the friendship is everlasting, and based on shared cultural heritage. He also thanked the people of Bhutan for the warm welcome they had given him.
The vote of thanks was given by H.E. Dr. Sonam Kinga, Chairman of the National Council.

Citizens Appreciate Inclusive Development How PM Modi is Empowering Every Indian
With @narendramodi ji’s guidance, India has made transformative strides in skill development, green energy, and #Economic innovation. Over 3.3 cr individuals trained via PMKVY/NSDC, thriving startups, and ₹10 lac crore in green hydrogen investments reflect a bold growth vision. pic.twitter.com/LvsyYGF81H
— rajiv pillai (@rganddhi396) July 22, 2025
#PMModi के नेतृत्व में राष्ट्रीय डेयरी विकास कार्यक्रम ग्रामीण भारत का चेहरा बदल रहा है ,18.74 लाख किसानों को सशक्त किया गया,30,000 से ज़्यादा रोज़गार सृजित हुए, 100.95 लाख लीटर प्रतिदिन दूध संग्रहण में वृद्धि और 51,777 गांवों की लैब्स को अपग्रेड किया गया। यही है नई #श्वेतक्रांति
— Manika Rawat (@manikarawa46306) July 22, 2025
PM @narendramodi Ji Govt #DigitalIndia
— Zahid Patka (Modi Ka Parivar) (@zahidpatka) July 22, 2025
India now leads the world in real-time digital payments with #UPI processing 18+ billion transactions monthly!
85% of all digital payments, live in 7 countries, trusted by 491M users & 65M merchants.https://t.co/dgXYqb9WIV@PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/dIgWXhtMMR
With unwavering commitment to 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', Shri Modi ji has guided India into a new era of opportunity. From empowering millions through skill development, igniting the startup ecosystem, to leading a green revolution with historic investments in hydrogen energy. pic.twitter.com/BeFMcZJ13X
— Jyoti94 (@dwivedijyoti94) July 22, 2025
PM SVANidhi has redefined street vending in India—offering loans, digital tools & dignity to 80 lakh+ vendors. This is governance that empowers from the ground up. PM Modi’s model of inclusion ensures no Indian is left behind—not even the one with a pushcart. pic.twitter.com/prpQdMMjUh
— Shrayesh (@shrayesh65) July 22, 2025
There is growth, positive path for India's Energy Security,under d leadership of PM Modi. Where there were only 55 City Gas Distribution Networks in 2014, there are 307 CGD networks. Clean &affordable Piped Natural Gas is refuelling homes etc @HardeepSPuri pic.twitter.com/RsBKjT4bcA
— Rukmani Varma 🇮🇳 (@pointponder) July 22, 2025
Just traveled from Delhi to Meerut in Namo Bharat—what a ride! Clean coaches, smooth speed & no chaos. Never imagined regional rail could feel this premium. Hats off to PM Shri @narendramodi ji for making such modern travel a reality in India. Truly, this is the new Bharat. pic.twitter.com/kJxMgGo6pV
— Harshit (@Harshit80048226) July 22, 2025
Powering progress, the green way! Under PM Modi ji’s vision for sustainable development, a 198 kWP solar power plant is inaugurated at the S&T Workshop, Mettuguda, Telangana. Indian Railways is tapping solar energy for non-traction use -clean, efficient, & future-ready! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/p0GvM3KnXP
— Mahima Aggarwal (@AggarwalMahi586) July 22, 2025
Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, India is scripting a water revolution! 💧Over 80% of rural households now have access to potable tap water-up from just 17% in 2019. A true testament to the success of Har Ghar Jal and commitment to #ViksitBharat. https://t.co/KlM6PTH5Lh
— ananya rathore (@ananyarath73999) July 22, 2025