In a significant display of the enduring India-Bhutan friendship, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the prestigious India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The meeting, described by PM Modi as “outstanding,” underscored the deep-rooted mutual trust and goodwill between the two nations. PM Tobgay congratulated PM Modi on hosting what he termed the “first AI Summit of the Global South,” conveying best wishes from His Majesty The King, the Royal Government, and the people of Bhutan.
During the discussions, the leaders reviewed progress in key areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy, connectivity, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties. A major focus was on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for inclusive, human-centric progress while aligning with principles of sustainability. Both Prime Ministers expressed strong support for deepening collaboration in AI and digital technologies through sharing expertise, experiences, and joint development of AI solutions tailored to benefit both nations.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 stands as a landmark initiative by India, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, industry captains, researchers, and innovators from over 50 countries. With the theme emphasizing “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay” (welfare for all, happiness for all), the summit has showcased India’s visionary leadership in promoting responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI adoption. PM Modi’s keynote and engagements highlighted democratizing AI to ensure it serves humanity rather than turning people into mere data points, while fostering global cooperation on governance, transparency, and bridging the digital divide.
This high-profile event has drawn participation from prominent figures, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and CEOs of major tech firms, underscoring its global stature.
For Bhutan, the summit and the bilateral meeting hold immense promise. As a small but forward-looking nation committed to Gross National Happiness and environmental stewardship, Bhutan stands to gain substantially from closer AI ties with India—its closest partner and a rising global tech powerhouse.
Key benefits for Bhutan include:
- Access to expertise and capacity building — Through joint initiatives, Bhutanese professionals, researchers, and institutions can gain knowledge in AI development, ethical frameworks, and applications suited to mountainous terrains, sustainable tourism, agriculture, and public services.
- Boost for startups and tech companies — Bhutan’s emerging tech ecosystem, including ventures in digital innovation, e-governance, and green technologies, can leverage India’s vast AI resources, funding opportunities, talent pools, and markets. Collaborations could accelerate homegrown startups by providing mentorship, pilot projects, and integration with India’s digital public infrastructure models.
- Sustainable and inclusive development — Aligning AI with Bhutan’s carbon-negative status and sustainability ethos, potential joint projects could focus on climate-resilient solutions, precision farming, disaster management, healthcare delivery in remote areas, and preserving cultural heritage through AI tools—ensuring technology enhances Gross National Happiness without compromising Gross National Happiness principles.
- Economic and connectivity gains — Strengthened digital cooperation complements existing partnerships in hydropower, infrastructure, and trade, opening doors for Bhutanese youth to participate in the global AI economy while attracting investments and talent exchanges.
The meeting reaffirms that India-Bhutan relations continue to evolve into transformative domains, guided by shared values of trust, sustainability, and inclusive progress. As PM Tobgay’s participation highlights Bhutan’s proactive engagement on the global stage, this summit marks a promising step toward a future where AI empowers smaller nations like Bhutan to thrive alongside larger partners.
Bhutan looks forward to the outcomes of this summit translating into concrete collaborations that benefit our people, preserve our unique way of life, and contribute to a harmonious digital world.
