Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for a two-day visit to Bhutan. Ahead of his visit, PM said that India-Bhutan partnership today is of a special character and substance and forms an important pillar of Government of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. Modi said, his visit to Bhutan in the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance that the Government attaches to India’s relations with that country which is a trusted friend and neighbour. He said, the two countries enjoy excellent bilateral ties exemplified by our extensive development partnership, mutually beneficial hydro-power co-operation and strong trade and economic linkages. He said, both countries jointly celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations last year. In his short visit of about 27 hours, Modi will have a packed schedule. He will receive audiences with the King of Bhutan, hold delegation-level talks with his counterpart, meet the Leader of Opposition, inaugurate 720 megawatt Mangdechhu hydro-power project and release a commemorative stamp to mark the 50 years of Indo-Bhutan hydropower relations. He will also inaugurate the Ground Station for South Asian Satellite and launch the first phase of RuPay Card and address the students of Royal University of Bhutan. India and Bhutan will ink te MoUs in science, technology, engineering and maths and judicial sectors.
