Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, arrived in Paro for his two-day visit to Bhutan from March 22-23, 2024. The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between both countries and India's emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy, an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
On his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome at the Paro Airport from the Prime Minister of Bhutan H.E. Tshering Tobgay. He was also accorded a ceremonial welcome.
During his visit, PM Modi will receive an audience with the King of Bhutan and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, and the fourth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The prime minister will also hold talks with the Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay.
During his two-day visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital located in Bhutan's Thimphu. The hospital has been built with the assistance of the Government of India in Thimphu, the statement stated further.
Earlier before departing to Bhutan, PM Modi took to his X account where he stated that “On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership."
He also stated that he was looking forward to meeting the Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
As per his schedule, PM Modi was supposed to visit Bhutan on March 21-22, but it was postponed due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the Himalayan nation. Shortly after, new dates were decided through diplomatic channels between the two nations for PM Modi's Bhutan visit.
A statement issued by the MEA earlier this week stated that the "visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters of interest and deliberate on ways to expand and intensify our exemplary partnership for the benefit of our peoples."