New Delhi, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an elder brother and said he had come to regard him as an “avatar of Vishnu”, while highlighting the personal and institutional ties between the two countries.
In an opinion article titled ‘Modi’s leadership reflects wisdom, courage, empathy’ published in the Hindustan Times, Tobgay praised Modi’s 25 years of continuous service as head of government and said India’s engagement with neighbouring countries had remained a key priority under his leadership.
Tobgay also credited Modi with championing the interests of the Global South, including through the Voice of Global South Summits, and with leading the effort that resulted in the African Union becoming a permanent member of the G20.
He said the concept of a developed India extended beyond India’s own borders, arguing that a stronger Indian economy would provide greater access to markets, capital and technology while increasing the country’s influence in shaping the global agenda for the region and the Global South.
Recalling his personal relationship with Modi, Tobgay said he had long regarded him as an elder brother and had increasingly viewed him as a mentor whose example as a public servant provided guidance.
He recalled telling Modi in 2019 that he saw him as an avatar of Vishnu. During a meeting in New Delhi on March 14, 2024, Tobgay said he revisited the remark and concluded that he had been right, identifying the avatar as Kalki, which he associated with overcoming disorder, restoring dharma and ushering in renewal.
Tobgay also recalled Modi’s first foreign visit as Prime Minister in June 2014, when he chose Bhutan as his destination. Tobgay, who was Bhutan’s Prime Minister at the time, said Modi had summed up the bilateral relationship as “B4B” — Bharat for Bhutan, Bhutan for Bharat.
According to Tobgay, India’s assistance under Bhutan’s 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans helped support his government’s development programmes. He said that after returning to office in 2024, he saw India double its support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan to Rs 10,000 crore.
He said the B4B partnership now spans education, healthcare, infrastructure, hydropower, technology, agriculture and enterprise.
Tobgay further highlighted India’s support for Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City. He said Modi had pledged India’s full support, with cooperation taking shape in rail links, border infrastructure, and improved air and digital connectivity.
He added that Indian businesses had followed the government’s support, with leading companies investing in Bhutan’s economic transformation and joining Gelephu Mindfulness City as founding members.
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