NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday left for Bhutan’s capital Thimphu on a two-day official visit to participate in the 70th birthday celebrations of the country’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, the fourth king, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional development.
“I am confident that my visit will further deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen our efforts towards shared progress and prosperity,” Modi said before his departure.
Calling it an honour to join the Bhutanese people in marking the former monarch’s milestone birthday, the Prime Minister said his visit would also mark “another milestone in the energy partnership” between the two countries with the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project.
He is also scheduled to attend the Global Peace Prayer Festival, organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Modi described India-Bhutan ties as a “key pillar” of the Neighbourhood First Policy, terming them “a model for friendly relations between neighbouring nations.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Leaving for Bhutan, where I will attend various programmes, including the celebrations of His Majesty the Fourth King’s 70th birthday. I will also hold talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.”
