PM Narendra Modi on two-day visit to Bhutan from today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two day Bhutan visit from Saturday morning with the focus being on space, hydropower projects and Ru Pay cards.

The visit from August 17 to 18 will be the second visit of PM Modi to the south Asian country and is expected to leave by 10 am on Saturday morning. Bhutan was Modi's first foreign destination after taking charge as PM in 2014.

Calling Bhutan a "trusted friend and neighbour", PM Modi in a pre-departure statement said, "India and Bhutan enjoy excellent bilateral ties exemplified by our extensive development partnership, mutually beneficial hydro-power co-operation, and strong trade and economic linkages."

PM will start his visit by a visit to Simtokha Dzong, a monastery built by Ngawang Namgyal who unified Bhutan. PM will receive audiences with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck and hold talks with Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. He will meet all members of the Bhutanese Parliament. He will deliver a major address at the Royal University of Bhutan and will visit the national monument.

The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM is looking forward to his visit to Bhutan. He has a very strong personal relationship with both majesties the king, his majesty the 4th king as well as the Prime Minister Dr Lotay who also graced the swearing-in the ceremony of PM in May."

Zee Media Newsroom