‘Will deepen bonds of friendship’: PM Modi leaves for Bhutan; embarks on two-day visit | India News

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday embarked on a two-day visit to Bhutan’s Thimphu. He will join the 70th birthday celebrations of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.PM Modi will meet Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, his father and predecessor, the fourth king, as well as Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.“I am confident that my visit will further deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen our efforts towards shared progress and prosperity,” he said before embarking on the visit.“It would be my honour to join the people of Bhutan as they mark the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King,” PM Modi added.During the visit, he will participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal government of Bhutan.He said that this visit will mark another milestone in the energy partnership with the inauguration of Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project. “Our partnership is a key pillar of our Neighbourhood First Policy and a model for exemplary friendly relations between neighbouring countries,” PM Modi said.Later in a post on X, he wrote, “Leaving for Bhutan, where I will attend various programmes. This visit comes at a time when Bhutan is marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King.”“I will be holding talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay,” he posted.