PM Modi to embark on two-day visit to Bhutan

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Saturday. According to official sources here, his engagements on Saturday would include launch of the RuPay card, release of stamps to commemorate five decades of India-Bhutan Hydropower Cooperation and also high level meetings. In a pre-departure statement on Friday here, Prime Minister Modi has 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.

"Both countries jointly celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations last year. India-Bhutan partnership today is of a special character and substance and forms an important pillar of Government of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy," Mr Modi has said. PM Modi will also have audiences with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan and hold talks with the Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Sources said at least ten MoUs will be signed between the two countries and at least five projects are expected to be inaugurated during Mr Modi's two-day visit.