How Modi’s Leadership Shaped Bhutan’s View of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047

Shering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, used a personal letter to illustrate how Narendra Modi’s leadership has influenced his perception of India’s future. Marking 25 years of Modi’s public service, Tobgay called the Indian prime minister a “Vishnu avatar” and a steadfast “big brother”.

The letter revisits the July 27, 2019 meeting in Delhi, a time when Tobgay’s own party had just suffered a defeat in the Bhutanese elections. Meeting Modi as an ordinary citizen, Tobgay was impressed by the leader’s humility and the genuine concern he showed for a fellow Asian nation.

Tobgay explained that the “big brother” sentiment is rooted in Modi’s consistent encouragement and the sense of familial care he extends to Bhutan. By likening Modi to Vishnu, Tobgay placed the Indian leader within a spiritual framework that values wisdom, protection and moral authority.

He highlighted Modi’s 13‑year tenure as Gujarat’s chief minister, during which the state became a showcase for infrastructure, investment, and clean‑energy projects. Tobgay argued that Modi replicated this model at the national level, driving policies on manufacturing, foreign direct investment, financial inclusion, sanitation, technology and public‑service delivery.

The Bhutanese premier praised Modi’s discipline, energy and work ethic, noting that these traits have inspired a new confidence among Indians about their country’s capabilities. Tobgay also referenced Bhutan’s Buddhist tradition of the “Rigsum Gonpo”, a triad of bodhisattvas representing wisdom, compassion and courage, drawing a parallel to the qualities he sees in Modi.

Looking ahead, Tobgay linked his admiration to India’s “Developed India” vision for 2047, the centenary of independence. He described the vision as a roadmap that combines a clear timeline, a national mission and the inclusive slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, which seeks to harness the aspirations of 1.4 billion citizens.

In Tobgay’s view, the success of this vision does not depend on any single leader or election cycle; it rests on the collective resolve of the current and future generations to build a strong, prosperous, and inclusive nation.