Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning left for a two-day state visit to Bhutan. Before departing to Bhutan, PM Modi on his official X handle stated: “On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership."
“I look forward to talks with Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay," he added.
Earlier, PM Modi's scheduled visit to Bhutan was postponed due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the Himalayan nation. He was slated to visit Bhutan from March 21 to 22 to what was anticipated to be his last official foreign visit ahead of the forthcoming lok sabha elections. New dates for PM Modi's visit to Bhutan were arranged through diplomatic channels between the two nations.
As PM Modi's visit to Bhutan approached, posters and billboards welcoming him were erected across the country, news agency PTI reported.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that PM Modi's Bhutan visit presents an opportunity for both nations to engage in discussions on bilateral and regional issues, aiming to enhance and deepen their "exemplary partnership" for the welfare of their people.
Modi's visit to Bhutan comes after Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay's visit to India from March 14 to March 18. Tobgay's visit to India marked his first foreign visit since assuming office in January.
During Tobgay's visit, PM Modi pledged increased support for Bhutan's 13th five-year plan, including considering a request for an economic stimulus programme. Furthermore, India affirmed its commitment to provide development aid to Bhutan, focusing on infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity.