Humbled and honoured by Modi's decision to visit Bhutan: PM Tshering Tobgay

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan, its Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, said on Saturday that he felt very humbled and honoured by Modi's decision to visit his country.

"The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is historic. It is hardly a month since he took over, and now, he is visiting Bhutan. So, we are very honoured and humbled by this gesture," said Prime Minister Tobgay.

"It is also very significant in a sense that having invited all the heads of SAARC countries to his swearing-in ceremony, and we had a very a spontaneous show of camaraderie in the SAARC region. As far as Bhutan is concerned, it is even more significant for us, not as a member of SAARC, but as a close friend and neighbour of India," he added.

He asserted that Bhutan's friendship with India is on genuine goodwill, understanding and cooperation.

"The friendship between the two countries is exemplary the world over. We have people-to-people contact and we share many similarities in terms of culture. There have been a lot of cultural exchanges and we look forward to a lot more in the area of economic cooperation," said Prime Minister Tobgay.

He also emphasized that the two countries share very good relations in the area of security partnership, and added that the Bhutanese Government has made it clear that the Bhutanese area will not be used in any way against the security interests of India.

"There is absolutely no change in this policy," he said.

He also said that the militant outfits in Bhutan have been dismantled, and the country is very vigilant on the issue of terrorism.

Describing India as a cornerstone of Bhutan's foreign policy, Prime Minister Tobgay said, "As a neighbor with China, we do engage with them because we have long border which has to be demarcated. But our relations are primarily with India at all levels."

He also said that India has been by Bhutan's side for the past 50-60 years and added that India has a hand in the progress made in Bhutan.

"Socially, economically and politically, we have received unprecedented progress for a small country. But we are still a long way from self-reliance and we are working very closely with India to help us achieve our goal of economic self-reliance," he added.

To a questions regarding Bhutan developing ties with other countries as well, the Bhutanese Prime Minister said, "We engage with India and our future is inextricably linked with India. Therefore our primary partner for development, economic development and cultural exchanges is India. But our foreign is not limited to India. We have diplomatic relations with 53 countries."

He also said that the fundamentals of Bhutan's friendship with India are already strong, and added that there should reiteration on both parts to protect fundamentals of partnership and further building it on.

"We have to celebrate this friendship and rededicate ourselves to this friendship which has become a role model for countries all over the world. We have to commit to furthering the ties of friendship which are already very strong," he added.

Modi will be undertaking his first foreign trip as head of government to Bhutan on June 15 and 16.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials will accompany the Prime Minister, India's Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said on Friday.

The Prime Minister will meet his majesty, the King of Bhutan, the 4th Druk Gayalpo, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan. The Prime Minister will also address the joint session of the national assembly and the national council of Bhutan and meet the leader of the opposition. Discussions during the visit will include the whole gamut of bilateral relations.

Modi, who had invited South Asian leaders to his swearing in on May 26, has sought to convert his landslide election victory last month into a platform to pursue a more assertive foreign policy and promote trade and investment.

But, rather than Washington, Beijing or Tokyo, the 63-year-old leader will first visit Bhutan, a landlocked kingdom sandwiched between India and Chinese Tibet that has a population of less than one million.