Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attended the Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment ceremony in Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium. The sacred ritual was led by Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot. More than 30,000 devotees and visitors from several countries joined the event, celebrating Buddhist unity and peace.

The Prime Minister also met the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and wished him on his 70th birthday. He reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to friendship and regional progress through mutual cooperation.

India and Bhutan signed several MoUs in renewable energy, health, and mental health. The pacts focus on solar power, wind energy, telemedicine, and mental health training. Partnerships between NIMHANS and Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat will help develop training programs and research initiatives.

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On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi joined celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who ruled Bhutan from 1972 to 2006, is known for promoting national unity and introducing the happiness-based development model.

Modi and Bhutan’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also held extensive discussions on energy, connectivity, defence, and technology. Both leaders inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a major milestone in bilateral energy cooperation.

Earlier, Modi and the Bhutanese King offered prayers before the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong. The relics were sent from India to mark the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival.

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During her visit, Sitharaman will meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. She will also hold bilateral talks with Finance Minister Lekey Dorji to explore new opportunities for financial and economic collaboration.

Her itinerary includes visits to key Indian-supported sites such as the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, Gyalsung Academy, and Punakha Dzong. She will attend presentations on Bhutan’s energy initiatives, the 21st Century Economic Roadmap, and the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

Sitharaman will visit the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market to witness a UPI transaction, showcasing India’s growing digital link with Bhutan. She will also interact with Bhutanese farmers to learn about their agricultural practices and challenges.

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The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) inked the pact in New Delhi. The projects include 400 kV transmission lines connecting Inaruwa–Purnia and Lamki–Bareilly, aimed at improving energy exchange and grid reliability. The lines will be financed through 80% debt and 20% equity, shared between NEA and Power Grid.

Energy Minister Kulman Ghising said the projects will boost Nepal’s electricity exports to India and beyond. India’s Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar noted the initiative will strengthen regional energy security and economic growth. Each country will build its respective sections through joint venture firms.

Currently, the Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur line is the only operational 400 kV link between the two nations. With India agreeing to buy 10,000 MW from Nepal over the next decade, the new transmission lines will be vital to achieving this target.

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Investigators said Tellis removed secret papers from Defense Department offices and kept them at his home in Vienna, Virginia. Surveillance showed him printing “Secret” and “Top Secret” files between September 12 and 25, 2025. The FBI reported that he hid the papers inside notepads and placed them in a leather briefcase.

Court records also described Tellis’s meetings with Chinese officials in recent years. They reportedly discussed issues like artificial intelligence, Iran-China ties, and US-Pakistan relations. In one meeting, he carried a manila envelope and did not return with it.

Tellis serves as a senior adviser to the State Department and a contractor for the Defense Department’s Office of Net Assessment. If convicted, he could face ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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Premachandran highlighted Pakistan’s repression in occupied Kashmir and condemned the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam by terrorists trained and supported by Islamabad. He said the people in Pakistan-occupied areas are protesting against military occupation, exploitation, and brutality. Recent clashes have left more than 12 civilians dead during demonstrations for basic rights.

Responding to Pakistan’s remarks on Kashmir, Premachandran said it was ironic for a country known for terrorism and military rule to question the world’s largest democracy. He urged Pakistan to stop “preaching” at international forums while continuing its state-sponsored extremism and oppression.

Reaffirming India’s stance, he declared Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India. Premachandran also reminded the UN of India’s leadership in global decolonisation efforts, helping over 80 colonies gain independence while emphasizing that the process remains unfinished.

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He stated that Jammu and Kashmir has seen rapid progress across sectors, showing India’s dedication to improving citizens’ lives. Chaudhary added that Pakistan has no right to talk about democracy when it continues to rig elections, jail leaders, and suppress protests.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s security forces killed 12 people last week in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir while crushing public protests. Chaudhary said Pakistan’s actions only highlight its attempts to divert attention from internal failures.

The Indian MP also accused Pakistan of disrespecting the United Nations by misusing the principle of self-determination for political purposes. He called Pakistan’s comments “ridiculous” and an insult to the intelligence of UN members.

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Kamlager-Dove noted that Democratic lawmakers sent a letter urging President Trump to reset ties with India. She expressed disappointment that no Republicans joined, stating Democrats carry the responsibility to support strategic international relationships. She also emphasized India’s role in regional stability and global innovation.

The lawmaker criticized the H-1B visa lottery system and $100,000 arbitrary rule, saying it harms US competitiveness and discourages skilled professionals, especially from India. She stressed the importance of the Quad Leadership Summit and strong Indo-Pacific partnerships.

Kamlager-Dove praised India’s measured diplomacy with China, Russia, and Pakistan, calling it a sign of strategic maturity. She warned that strained US-India ties could weaken regional stability and urged consistent engagement to strengthen cooperation on technology, defense, and economic growth.

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The World Bank increased India’s GDP forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, up from 6.3% projected in June. The rise comes from resilient domestic demand, tax reforms, and strong rural recovery. Bangladesh’s growth is pegged at 4.8%, while Bhutan’s estimate fell to 7.3% due to hydropower delays. Growth in Maldives is expected at 3.9%, and Nepal may slow to 2.1% amid unrest.

Sri Lanka’s forecast has been upgraded to 3.5%, supported by tourism and service exports. South Asia’s overall growth is projected at 6.6% in 2025 but may ease to 5.8% in 2026 due to global and regional risks, including trade uncertainty and AI-related disruptions.

World Bank Vice President Johannes Zutt urged South Asian nations to address risks and embrace AI for productivity gains. The report also advised reforms to boost jobs, improve connectivity, and expand safety nets for workers affected by technology shifts.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India’s need to navigate a multi-polar world and prepare to emerge as a key global power. He emphasized challenges like supply chain risks, technological competition, and anti-globalization trends. India must prioritize its national interest in foreign policy, he added.

JNU Chancellor Kanwal Sibal described the international environment as a “managed disorder” and noted the rising influence of China. SIS Vice Chancellor Prof Santishree D Pandit celebrated the summit’s aim to combine tradition with modernity and craft Bharatiya-centric narratives for diplomacy and policy.

The summit featured discussions on economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and digital diplomacy. Speakers highlighted India’s growth from a minor global contributor to the fourth-largest economy. Experts stressed that India must shape global agendas rather than react to them. The summit continues, with panels exploring ways to strengthen India’s international position amid rising geopolitical competition.

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