Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for a two-day state visit to Bhutan. This is PM Modi’s second visit to Bhutan and the first since his re-election as the Prime Minister.
“The Prime Minister emplanes for Bhutan. During this important visit, PM will take part in several programmes. This visit would further cement the bond between India and Bhutan,” Prime Minister’s office said in a tweet.
Prior to his departure, PM Modi said, “I will be on a State Visit to Bhutan on 17-18 August 2019. My visit to Bhutan in the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance that the Government attaches to India’s relations with Bhutan, our trusted friend and neighbour.”
“India and Bhutan enjoy excellent bilateral ties exemplified by our extensive development partnership, mutually beneficial hydro-power co-operation, and strong trade and economic linkages. These are, reinforced by a shared spiritual heritage and robust people-to-people ties,” he said.
“India-Bhutan partnership today is of a special character and substance and forms an important pillar of Government of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy,” he added.
Modi said, “I look forward to having fruitful discussions with the King, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Prime Minister of Bhutan on the entire gamut of our bilateral relations. I also look forward to addressing young Bhutanese students at the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan. “
“I am confident that my visit will promote our time-tested and valued friendship with Bhutan and consolidate it further for the prosperous future and progress of the people of both our countries,” he said.
