NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan in Thimphu over a working lunch hosted in his honour. Pm Modi thanked Bhutanese PM for the exceptional public welcome accorded to him, with people greeting him all along the journey from Paro to Thimphu.

The two leaders held discussions on various aspects of the multi- faceted bilateral relations and forged an understanding to further enhance cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism. India and Bhutan enjoy long-standing and exceptional ties characterized by utmost trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels.

Ahead of the meeting, PM Modi and PM of Bhutan witnessed exchange of several MoUs/Agreements on energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, youth connect among others.

Later, he also met with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu. They expressed deep satisfaction at the close and unique India-Bhutan friendship. The PM conveyed his appreciation for the guiding vision provided by the successive Druk Gyalpos in shaping close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation. Recalling that Bharat for Bhutan and Bhutan for Bharat was an abiding reality, the two leaders discussed ways to further the transformative partnership. They explored initiatives to expand bilateral collaboration in the fields of energy, development cooperation, youth, education, entrepreneurship and skill development. The two leaders also discussed progress in connectivity and investment proposals including in the context of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by mutual trust and understanding.