Paro [Bhutan], August 17: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on Saturday and was awarded guard of honour.
Modi, who embarked on an official two-day visit to Bhutan, was received by Dr Lotay Tshering, the Bhutanese prime minister, and other officials on his landing at the Paro International Airport, according to ANI.
As Modi stepped off the aircraft in Paro, a valley town of Bhutan, situated west of capital Thimphu, a child presented him a bouquet. At the same time, he received guard of honour.
This Modi’s visit to Bhutan marked the second such visit to the Himalayan country and first since he re-assumed the office as the prime minister some months back.
Before departing, the Indian prime minister has on Friday stated India-Bhutan partnership creates a vital pillar of New Delhi‘s “Neighbourhood First” policy and further expressed confidence his two-day venture will promote their both nations’ time-testes relationship.
Modi will officially kick-off his meetings by visiting a monastery, Simtokha Dzong, built by Ngawang Namgyal who has unified Bhutan.
Modi is slated to receive audiences with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, during his visit. In addition, he is scheduled to hold bilateral and diplomatic talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering.
On the second day, Modi is slated to pay a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, where he will also address a cultural programme at a Buddhist monastery, Tashichhodzong, hosted in his respect. He will also address the students at the Bhutanese Royal University.