Paro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering held wide ranging talks on Saturday during which they discussed steps to further expand the bilateral partnership across several sectors as the two nations signed 10 MoUs to infuse new energy in their ties.
“We had a comprehensive meeting, where we deliberated on the relations between India and Bhutan. There is great scope to further improve economic and cultural ties between our nations,” Modi said.
The two countries signed 10 Memorandum of Understandings in the field of space research, aviation, IT, power and education.
Modi received a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Bhutan on Saturday on a two-day state visit.
This is Modi’s second visit to Bhutan and the first since his re-election.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering received Modi at the airport.
To an inspiring leader who embodies courage, compassion and conviction, and leads the world’s largest democracy, we heartily welcome you to Bhutan Shri @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/m8IVQTISjq
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) August 17, 2019
“As a gesture of extraordinary warmth and goodwill, PM welcomed by Bhutan PM Lotay Shering and other ministers,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Later, the prime minister headed for the capital Thimphu.
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Modi also launched RuPay Card in Bhutan by making a purchase at Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Shabdrung Namgyal, which functions as a monastic and administrative centre and is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan.
“I am very happy that today we have launched RuPay card in Bhutan. This will further enhance our relationship in digital payments, and trade and tourism. Our shared spiritual heritage and strong people-to-people relationship are key of our relations,” Prime Minister Modi said.
On increasing the currency swap limit for Bhutan under the SAARC currency swap framework, Modi said India’s approach is “positive”.
He said an additional $100 million will be available to Bhutan under a standby swap arrangement to meet the foreign exchange requirement.
In his departure statement issued in New Delhi on Friday, the prime minister said his visit to the Himalayan nation in the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance his government attaches to New Delhi’s relations with Bhutan – a “trusted friend and neighbour”.
In Bhutan, I look forward to having fruitful discussions with H.M. the King, H.M. the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and @PMBhutan on the entire gamut of our bilateral relations. I also look forward to addressing young Bhutanese students at the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2019
He expressed confidence that his visit would promote India’s “time-tested and valued friendship” with Bhutan and consolidate it further for the prosperous future and progress of the people of both the countries.
During the visit, Modi would hold talks with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his Bhutanese counterpart on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi will also address young Bhutanese students at the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan.
(With inputs from PTI)