Thimphu, Nov 10 (NationPress) The profound spiritual and cultural bond of Buddhism shared between India and Bhutan is set to be highlighted once more as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day State visit to the neighboring country starting Tuesday.

This visit aligns with the exhibition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India. During his stay, PM Modi will pay homage to the Holy Relics at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and will partake in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Buddhism serves as a significant cultural link between India and Bhutan, with many Bhutanese pilgrims journeying to Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim, Udayagiri, Sarnath, and other notable Buddhist locations in India.

As part of the celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan, the Je Khenpo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, which was officially consecrated in September of this year. A statue of Zhabdrung, considered the founder of Bhutan, currently displayed at Simtokha Dzong in Bhutan, has been lent by the Asiatic Society in Kolkata.

PM Modi first visited Bhutan on his inaugural overseas trip after taking office in 2014. His subsequent visits included a State Visit in August 2019 and a significant trip in March 2024, during which he was awarded the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo', Bhutan's highest civilian honor, in a public ceremony at Tendrelthang, Thimphu. This prestigious recognition was a first for any foreign leader.

The 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' is awarded for lifetime achievement and holds the highest precedence in Bhutan’s honor system, superseding all other decorations and medals.

The conferment of this accolade was announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during Bhutan's 114th National Day celebrations at Tashichhodzong, Thimphu, in December 2021. The award acknowledged PM Modi's efforts in fortifying India-Bhutan relations and his leadership that prioritizes people. It also highlights India's ascent as a global influence under his guidance and celebrates the unique bond between the two nations. Modi emphasized that the honor is a reflection of the 1.4 billion people of Bharat and signifies the exceptional relationship between the two countries.

During the upcoming visit, PM Modi and the Bhutanese King will inaugurate the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, jointly developed by the Indian Government and the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Prime Minister will also participate in festivities marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan.

Currently, around 50,000 Indians are employed in Bhutan across sectors such as infrastructure, hydropower, education, trade, and commerce, underscoring the close people-to-people connections between the two nations. Their contributions have been acknowledged both locally and globally.