What happened?
On September 5, 2025 Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, arrived in Ayodhya and was received by Uttar Pradesh Minister Surya Pratap Shahi. He is scheduled to offer prayers at Shri Ram Lalla, Hanumangarhi, and other temples as part of his wider India visit. Earlier, Tobgay highlighted the importance of the “Nalanda spirit,” praising India for reviving Nalanda University and acknowledging Bhutan’s role in nurturing its legacy. His visit follows earlier engagements in India this year, underlining the depth of bilateral ties.
Why it matters to India
The visit strengthens India–Bhutan cultural and spiritual connections, reaffirming their historic Buddhist ties. By engaging with Nalanda and Ayodhya, Bhutan underscores shared heritage, while India benefits from closer diplomatic cooperation with a trusted neighbour. The frequency of visits also reflects the strategic importance of Bhutan in India’s neighbourhood-first policy.