India Allocates Land for Bhutanese Monastery in Varanasi to Deepen Cultural Relations

Learn how India Allocates Land for Bhutanese Monastery in Varanasi, strengthening spiritual ties, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing regional cooperation.

India Allocates Land for Bhutanese Monastery in Varanasi

In a gesture reflecting strong spiritual and cultural ties, India has granted land in Varanasi for building a Bhutanese monastery and guesthouse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during his visit to Bhutan for the 70th birth anniversary celebrations of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This initiative marks a new chapter in the centuries-old Buddhist bond shared between India and Bhutan.

A Spiritual Hub on the Banks of the Ganga

The planned monastery will be located near the sacred Ganga River in Varanasi, known as the spiritual capital of India. It will become a centre for meditation, learning, and cultural exchange, offering Bhutanese monks and pilgrims a peaceful space in the holy city. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay called it “a bridge of faith linking the spiritual heart of India with the soul of Bhutan,” highlighting its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Strengthening Bonds Under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that granting land for the Bhutanese monastery reflects the spirit of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the nations’ shared Buddhist heritage. The monastery is expected to boost people-to-people connections and promote religious tourism between India and Bhutan. The move also highlights India’s support for Bhutan’s cultural traditions and its effort to strengthen mutual understanding through faith-based diplomacy.

Strengthening Ties with Fresh Bilateral Initiatives

The announcement came alongside several major developments in India–Bhutan relations. India approved a ₹4,000-crore line of credit to support Bhutan’s development projects and inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project. Both nations also agreed to restart work on the long-pending Punatsangchhu-I project. In addition, three new agreements were signed in the fields of renewable energy, mental health research, and medical capacity-building, expanding cooperation into social and scientific areas.

Some Important Facts

1. A Bhutanese monastery will be constructed near the banks of the Ganga River in Varanasi.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the land grant during his visit to Bhutan in November 2025.
3. India offered a ₹4,000-crore line of credit to Bhutan to support various development projects.
4. The 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project was inaugurated during the same visit.

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A Monument to the Buddhist Bond Between India and Bhutan

The new monastery brings a deeper spiritual element to India–Bhutan relations, complementing their strong economic and developmental partnership. During Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival-supported by India and led by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck-India sent a sacred relic of Lord Buddha for public display and worship. These acts together highlight the two nations’ shared dedication to peace, faith, and the preservation of Buddhist traditions in South Asia.

Deepening Cultural Diplomacy

The establishment of the Bhutanese monastery in Varanasi reflects India’s growing focus on cultural diplomacy. By combining heritage, faith, and regional cooperation, the initiative strengthens people-to-people relations in South Asia. Such exchanges not only preserve Buddhist traditions but also showcase India’s role as a center of global spiritual and cultural harmony.

Boost to Religious and Educational Tourism

Once completed, the Bhutanese monastery is expected to attract monks, scholars, and pilgrims from across Asia. It will serve as a vibrant hub for Buddhist learning and meditation, increasing religious tourism in Varanasi. The site will also promote cultural education, offering visitors insights into Bhutanese art, rituals, and philosophy.

A Testament to India–Bhutan Friendship

The monastery stands as a living symbol of the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan. Both nations share mutual respect, trust, and historical ties rooted in Buddhism. This initiative, along with new development projects, reinforces their partnership – ensuring that spiritual connection and cooperation continue to guide bilateral relations in the years ahead

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