Bhutan PM Tobgay calls Modi a modern avatar of Vishnu in article, describes India as big brother

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has openly praised the leadership and personality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a special article written for an Indian newspaper. Referring to Modi's political vision, his wisdom and the friendship between India and Bhutan, Tobgay described him as a "modern avatar of Lord Vishnu".

Tobgay called Modi's leadership a fine example of wisdom, compassion, courage and selfless service. The respect and spiritual regard expressed by the head of government of one country for the prime minister of another is being seen as a significant example of the deep cultural and strategic ties between India and Bhutan.

In the article, Tobgay recalled a private and emotional meeting in New Delhi on July 27, 2019. At that time his party had lost the election in Bhutan. He was not even a member of Parliament and held no government post. He had come to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Modi as an ordinary citizen.

Tobgay writes, "I can never forget the respect and warmth with which Prime Minister Modi received me even though I held no post. Not merely because he is older, but in the true sense, like an elder brother, he showed love and affection to his younger brother." At that meeting, Tobgay had spontaneously said that he considered Prime Minister Modi an avatar of Vishnu. Reflecting later on his own remark, it became clear to him that in Indian tradition and Himalayan culture, kings who look after their subjects and work for their welfare are regarded as a part of Vishnu. Calling Modi an avatar of Vishnu was therefore entirely right, he wrote.

Tobgay has followed Modi's political journey closely, from his time as Gujarat chief minister to the present. He wrote that in more than 13 years of leading Gujarat, Modi took the state to the forefront of the country in development, infrastructure, investment and good governance. After 2014, he applied the same successful Gujarat model and thinking across India.

Tobgay also praised Modi's boundless energy, discipline and unwavering commitment to public service. According to him, Modi's greatest achievement is that he has inspired Indian citizens with unmatched confidence in their own abilities and in the bright future of their country. With the slogan "Sabka Prayas", he has made every citizen a participant in nation-building.

In Bhutan's Buddhist tradition, the "Rigsum Goenpo", the trinity of the three principal bodhisattvas, is considered highly sacred. It comprises Manjushri (symbol of wisdom), Avalokiteshvara (symbol of compassion) and Vajrapani (symbol of courage). Tobgay has linked these three qualities with Modi's leadership. According to him, Modi's dream of making India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence ("Viksit Bharat"), is not merely a political goal but a unique union of wisdom, compassion and courage. This vision is not limited to India, he wrote, but will also be highly beneficial for the prosperity of neighbours such as Bhutan and for building a "Viksit Bhutan".

After first becoming prime minister in 2014, Modi chose Bhutan for his first foreign visit. He then gave the mantra B4B, or "Bharat for Bhutan, Bhutan for Bharat". Repeating this mantra, Tobgay made clear that the relationship between India and Bhutan is not confined to geography or diplomacy but rests on spiritual, cultural and emotional bonds. Modi has also received Bhutan's highest civilian honour, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, and is the first foreign head of government to receive it.