On the second day of his two-day visit to Bhutan, on Wednesday, 12th November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment ceremony with the Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the king’s father Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The event is being held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, as part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu. It forms one of the most essential rituals associated with Buddhism and shows the fusion of time, the universe, and life.
The festival is a three-day Kalachakra empowerment, which is a complex and extensive ritual in Tibetan Buddhism that gives empowerment to perform specific meditative practices to achieve enlightenment. The Kalachakra Initiation symbolizes the union of time, cosmos, and human experience. The ceremony was presided over by His Holiness Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot.
Sharing his thoughts on social media, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, “Had the honour of inaugurating Kālacakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo. It was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo which made it even more special. This is an important ritual with great cultural significance for Buddhists around the world. The Kālacakra Empowerment is a part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival which has brought together devotees and scholars of Buddhism to Bhutan.”
Had the honour of inaugurating Kālacakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo. It was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo which made it even more special. This is an… pic.twitter.com/H4ZOFvOkZn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2025
PM Modi meets fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also met Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, in Thimphu on Wednesday (12th November). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Prime Minister conveyed warm wishes to the Fourth King on his 70th birthday and extended prayers for his continued good health and happiness.
“Prime Minister thanked His Majesty The Fourth King for his leadership, counsel and guidance in further strengthening India-Bhutan friendship. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. In this context, they underlined the shared spiritual and cultural bonds that bring the people of the two countries closer,” said the MEA in its statement.
Prime Minister Modi thanked His Majesty The Fourth King for his leadership, counsel and guidance in further strengthening India-Bhutan friendship. Both leaders held discussions on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest. In this context, they underlined the shared spiritual and cultural bonds that bring the people of the two countries closer.
Prime Minister Modi will now head back to New Delhi, marking the end of his two-day visit aimed at strengthening the India-Bhutan partnership.
Day one: Cultural and strategic engagements
On the first day of his visit on Tuesday, 11th November, Prime Minister Modi joined Bhutan in celebrating the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. During the celebrations, the Prime Minister highlighted the deep friendship and spiritual connection that exists between India and Bhutan.
Prime Minister Modi also met with the current King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and had in-depth discussions covering cooperation in the areas of energy, capacity building, technology, connectivity, defence, and security. The two leaders together inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project after their talks, marking an important milestone in the India-Bhutan energy cooperation.
Had a wonderful meeting with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Appreciated his extensive efforts over the years towards further cementing India-Bhutan ties. Discussed cooperation in energy, trade, technology and connectivity. Lauded the progress in the Gelephu Mindfulness City… pic.twitter.com/It8O8TTYbi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2025
“Had a very good meeting with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. We covered the full range of India-Bhutan relations,” PM Modi wrote on X. “We discussed cooperation in sectors like energy, capacity building, connectivity, technology, defence and security. India is proud to be a key partner in Bhutan’s development journey.”
To conclude the day, Prime Minister Modi and the Bhutanese King also visited Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong to seek blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, highlighting the centuries-old cultural and spiritual ties that unite India and Bhutan.
