**Summary of Official Visit to Bhutan by Shri Manohar Lal**
**Date of Release:** April 11, 2026
**Release ID:** 2251145
**Source:** Ministry of Power, PIB Delhi
**Overview**
Shri Manohar Lal, India’s Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, conducted a series of high-level engagements on the third day of his official visit to Bhutan. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, urban planning, and cultural exchange.
**Key Engagements and Bilateral Discussions**
* **Infrastructure Cooperation:** Shri Manohar Lal met with Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Bhutan’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. The dialogue centered on bilateral opportunities regarding infrastructure development, transport systems, connectivity, and urban amenities.
* **Urban Planning:** The Minister visited Khuruthang Town to gain insights into local development initiatives and urban infrastructure planning.
* **Developmental Philosophy:** The Minister attended presentations on Bhutan’s "Gross National Happiness" (GNH) framework and the "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC) initiative, exploring Bhutan’s approach to holistic and sustainable development.
* **Community Engagement:** A scheduled interaction with the Indian diaspora was highlighted to acknowledge their role in strengthening India-Bhutan relations.
**Cultural and Historical Site Visits**
To reinforce cultural ties, the Minister visited several landmarks:
* **Punakha Dzong:** A major historical and administrative center.
* **Simtokha Dzong:** A 17th-century fort where the Minister participated in a traditional butter lamp lighting ceremony.
* **Thimphu Landmarks:** Visits to the Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
**Objectives and Outcomes**
The visit serves to reinforce the exemplary bilateral relations between India and Bhutan, which are founded on mutual trust and shared values. The engagement deepens the commitment of both nations to collaborate across developmental, urban affairs, and people-to-people dimensions.
Key Entities Referenced
Shri Manohar Lal: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, India, who led the diplomatic visit to Bhutan to strengthen bilateral ties in infrastructure and urban development.
Bhutan: The host nation and primary partner for bilateral cooperation discussed regarding connectivity, transport systems, and urban infrastructure.
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC): A Bhutanese initiative highlighted during the visit as a unique model for sustainable and holistic urban development.
Gross National Happiness (GNH): Bhutan's foundational development philosophy discussed during the engagement as a framework for sustainable development.
Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung: Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan, who engaged in bilateral discussions on transport and urban connectivity.
Ministry of Power
Shri Manohar Lal Holds Key Engagements on
Infrastructure and Development Cooperation;
Visits Cultural Sites
Posted On: 11 APR 2026 5:28PM by PIB Delhi
On the third day of his visit to Bhutan, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban
Affairs, visited Khuruthang Town, gaining insights into local development initiatives and urban
infrastructure planning in the region. He also visited the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most significant
historical, cultural and administrative landmarks.
Subsequently, Shri Manohar Lal visited Simtokha Dzong, believed to be the oldest fort built by the
founder of Bhutan in the 17th century, where he participated in the lighting of butter lamps.
Later, he met Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Royal
Government of Bhutan. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation opportunities in infrastructure
development, urban amenities, connectivity, and transport systems.
During the engagement, he also attended a presentation on Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross
National Happiness (GNH) and the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative, which highlighted
Bhutan’s unique approach to sustainable and holistic development.
In the evening, Shri Manohar Lal visited the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park
in Thimphu, reflecting Bhutan’s rich cultural and nature.
He will also interact with the Indian diaspora community in Bhutan. The diaspora has made a significant
contribution in further strengthening the close and friendly ties between India and Bhutan.
India and Bhutan continue to enjoy exemplary bilateral relations, rooted in mutual trust, shared values,
and close cooperation across sectors. The visit further reinforces the commitment of both countries to
deepen engagement across developmental, urban affairs and people-to-people dimensions.
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NR/AP/MD
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