Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on a two-day state visit to further cement ties between the two countries. (Data map)
Thimphu:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan today on a two-day state visit to further cement India’s unique ties with the Himalayan nation as part of the country’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy.
Prime Minister Modi received a red carpet welcome on arrival at Paro Airport.
He was warmly received and given a grand welcome by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Togai at Paro Airport.
Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome as the people of Bhutan lined the entire 45-km route from Paro International Airport to Thimphu with Indian and Bhutanese flags.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release on Friday that the visit is in line with the tradition of regular high-level engagement between India and Bhutan and the government’s emphasis on the Neighborhood First policy.
Prime Minister of Bhutan writes
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi posted information about his visit to Bhutan on X.
“On my way to Bhutan, I will attend various events aimed at further cementing India-Bhutan partnership. I look forward to meeting His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Druk Gyalpo IV and Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay, “He wrote on the X.
The visit originally scheduled for March 21 and 22 was postponed due to bad weather in Bhutan.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will receive the King of Bhutan Jigme Kesar Namgyel Wangchuk and the fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singh Wangchuck. He will also hold talks with the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
The MEA said in a statement earlier this week that the visit would provide an opportunity for both sides to “exchange views on issues of bilateral and regional interest and explore ways to expand and strengthen our model partnership for our benefit” two peoples”.
The statement emphasized that India and Bhutan share a “unique and enduring partnership rooted in mutual trust, understanding and goodwill.”
“Our shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people ties add depth and vitality to our special relationship,” the ministry said.
The prime minister is scheduled to receive a grand welcome at the Tashichho Dzong, a traditional Buddhist monastery and seat of the government of Bhutan.
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Baby Hospital in Thimphu, a state-of-the-art hospital built with the assistance of the Government of India in Thimphu.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Togai paid a five-day visit to India last week, his first overseas trip since becoming prime minister in January.
Among other important activities, he held meetings with heads of various industries.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
