Preparations underway in Bhutan to welcome PM Modi at Paro International Airport

PM Modi's posters along with his Bhutanese counterpart have been put up at the airport and the venue has been decorated with flowers and Rangoli (coloured artwork).

A red carpet and colourful flags to portray Bhutanese culture have been set up to welcome PM Modi.

Moreover, airport security has been beefed up to ensure the safe arrival of PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday embarked on a state visit to Bhutan.

During his visit to Bhutan, PM Modi will attend various programmes to further enhance India-Bhutan bilateral partnership.

In a post on X, PM Modi spoke about his visit to Bhutan saying, "On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership. I look forward to talks with Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay."

PM Modi's departure to Bhutan comes after the Ministry of External (MEA) said on Wednesday that his visit has been pushed back due to 'inclement' weather and new dates are being worked out through diplomatic channels on both sides.

India and Bhutan share a unique and exemplary bilateral relationship founded on mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.

Formal diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1968, with the cornerstone being the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and subsequently renewed in February 2007.

Over the years, high-level exchanges have played a pivotal role in nurturing the strong bond between India and Bhutan.

King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has made several visits to India, underscoring the close ties between the two nations. His last visit to India was in November 2023.

Similarly, PM Modi's visit to Bhutan in August 2019 marked a significant milestone, with the launch of major bilateral projects aimed at bolstering economic cooperation and connectivity.

The recent official visit of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan to India in March 2024 further reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to enhancing bilateral relations across various domains, including development cooperation and vibrant economic ties. (ANI)