Stronger India is better for Bhutan: Zangpo

PM also asserted that a 'strong' and 'prosperous' India can help smaller countries in the region

India and Bhutan today decided to scale up their bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that a "strong" and "prosperous" India can help smaller countries in the region.

Concluding his two-day visit to the Himalayan Kingdom, Modi gave an assurance that a change of government in Delhi will not affect their ties and past commitments will be fulfilled.

Thimphu, on its part, promised not to allow its territory to be used against India, an assurance that comes against the backdrop of militants from northeast taking shelter there.

Just before winding up his visit, Prime Minister Modi, who was given a rare honour of addressing the joint session of Bhutan's Parliament, agreed with Speaker of the National Assembly Jigme Zangpo that stronger India is, the better it is for Bhutan.

Referring to the welcome remarks by Zangpo, Modi said the entire region, especially the SAARC countries, could benefit if India is prosperous. "Only a strong, prosperous India can help alleviate the problems that its neighbours face," he said.

At the end of the visit, the first foreign outing since he took over three weeks ago, the two countries came out with a joint statement that reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the special relationship between the two countries.