India will remain development partner of Bhutan: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India will remain a committed development partner of Bhutan, a country which he had chosen as his first foreign destination after assuming the top post.

He made the views known while welcoming a Bhutanese Parliamentary delegation, led by Jigme Zangpo, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Sonam Kinga, Chairperson of the National Council.

Modi fondly recalled his visit to Bhutan in June 2014, which was his first overseas visit as Prime Minister after taking over in May, a PMO statement said.

He expressed satisfaction at the progress in bilateral relations since his visit, including in the hydro-power sector, and reiterated that India will remain a committed partner in Bhutan's development.

Noting that the visiting delegation was bipartisan, the Prime Minister said it is a testimony to the support for India-Bhutan ties across the political spectrum in that country.

He appreciated the wisdom of successive Druk Gyalpos in successfully guiding the Himalayan Kingdom to democracy and said Bhutan is an example to the world in establishment of democratic values.

During the meeting, Zangpo conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Bhutan on the passing away of former President A P J Abdul Kalam.