New Delhi

Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay on Friday described PM Narendra Modi as his elder brother and mentor, expressing his intention to learn leadership lessons from the Indian leader.

Delivering the keynote address at the first edition of the SOUL Conclave at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Tobgay said: "I am here as a student to learn, and have got an opportunity to learn. Will learn the lessons of leadership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I see Modi ji as my big brother who always guides and supports me."

Tobgay praised PM Modi’s leadership, saying: "In just 10 years, PM Modi has taken India on the path of development. Your leadership has been a beacon of transformation of unprecedented progress."

He added that every time he meets Modi, he is inspired to work harder as a public servant and emphasized that SOUL, as the brainchild of PM Modi, reflects his commitment to nurturing authentic leaders to serve India.

Tobgay shared, "I have no lessons to offer on leadership. Instead, I am here as a student to learn, and I am excited to do so."

On leadership, he noted: "Leadership is not about titles or positions, it’s about vision, courage, the ability to inspire change, and transformation... it’s about taking society from where it stands today to development. A leader believes in what others may doubt and takes action where others hesitate."

Tobgay highlighted PM Modi’s initiatives such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, Skill India, Startup India, PM-AWAS, GatiShakti, Swachh Bharat, and Kisan Samman Nidhi, which he said have lifted nearly 30 crore people out of poverty and driven India’s economic growth.

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He complimented Modi, saying the Indian leader possesses the qualities of Bodhisattvas—wisdom, courage, and compassion—and praised Modi’s leadership, which he believes will help India become a "Viksit Bharat."

"A Viksit Bharat will be your legacy, and SOUL will carry forward the mantle of your legacy," Tobgay said. He also sought Modi's advice and support for Bhutan's public sector.