Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Bhutan June 15-16,2014

Prime minister Narendra Modi touched upon India and Bhutan’s “deep geographical, historical and cultural” ties as he arrived in the Himalayan nation on Sunday June 15,2014 on his first foreign visit as Indian Premier. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  arrives at Bhutan's Paro Airport on June 15, 2014

Dressed in his trademark kurta-pyjama, Prime minister Narendra Modi stepped up his charm offensive as he launched the NDA government’s diplomatic outreach by visiting a country that is crucial to India’s efforts to stem China’s influence as a regional power. 

Beginning his 2-day visit on Sunday June 15,2014, Prime minister Narendra Modi vowed to nurture bilateral relations with Bhutan, chanting a new mantra to drive home the importance he accorded them.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh have accompanied Prime minister Narendra Modi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who vowed to nurture bilateral relations with the country which is located between India and China in the Himalayas is welcomed at Bhutan's Paro airport for his two-day visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  receives a traditional Bhutanese welcome known as the 'chhipdrel' ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema at the Royal Palace in Thimphu on Sunday June 15,2014

 photo shows the Parliament building, background, and the office of the king at Thimpu, Bhutan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with (from left) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Bhutan's Supreme Court built by India's assistance and assured the country's leadership that India is committed to its happiness and progress even though the government in Delhi has changed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay participate in a bilateral meeting in Thimphu on Sunday June 15,2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the National Assembly in Thimphu, Bhutan on Monday June 16,2014

Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech:

• Feel fortunate to address Bhutanese Parliament
• Bhutan has worked hard to establish democratic values
• Congratulate Bhutan's political family for securing development, protection of traditions and environment
• For the first time after India's independence, voters gave the BJP a clear mandate to serve the country. This is the power of democracy.
• A strong and prosperous India is necessary for the neighbourhood, especially SAARC nations
• India and Bhutan's relations are our cultural heritage
• We are one because we have kept our hearts open to each other... Our power draws from unity
• Our hearts are always open for friendly relations with neigbours... Change in government will not impact Indo-Bhutan ties
• Bhutan's smooth transition from political monarchy to a successful democracy is admirable
• Delighted that in 2014 Budget, Bhutan has devoted a lot of resources towards education. They are looking at future generations
• India has decided to help set up an e-library network in Bhutan
• When a country provides teachers to educate its society, it strengthens democracy
• If you walk a few steps ahead, we too feel like walking those steps ahead and supporting you
• India's satellite technology can be used for Bhutan's development. Our space technology can bring both countries closer
• India and Bhutan sharing culture and traditions will be beneficial for the youth
• The Himalayas bring us together. We must be very proud of the Himalayas. It is our strength
• I thought - all Himalayan states and Bhutan - can we not do a special sports meet on a regular basis? Sportsman's spirit brings happiness.
• Terrorism divides and tourism unites. Bhutan has rich potential for tourism to grow.
• I assure you that relations between India and Bhutan are very strong
• I thank the people of Bhutan for the warm welcome extended to me

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday June 16,2014 laid the foundation stone of the 600MW Kholongchu Hydro-electric project, a joint venture between India and Bhutan.

The project’s foundation stone was laid by Mr. Modi electronically from the courtyard of Bhutan’s Parliament building after addressing a joint session.

Three Hydro-electric projects (HEPs) totalling 1416 MW (Chukha, Tala and Kurichu) are already operational.

Three more HEPs [Punatsangchu I (1200 MW), Punatsangchu II (1020 MW) and Mangdechu (720 MW)] are under construction.

They are scheduled to be commissioned in 2017-18.

In April, 2014, the two countries had signed a framework agreement on four more JV-model HEPs totalling 2120MW. Of these, pre-construction activities for the 600MW Kholongchu HEP as a JV-model HEP between Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) will commence soon.

PM Narendra Modi meets Bhutanese children in Thimphu before making his way to the airport at Paro