Modi visiting Bhutan a good step, says NCP leader Tariq Anwar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Tariq Anwar on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to undertake a two-day visit to Bhutan should be seen as a good step, as New Delhi must develop ties with its neighbours.

"It is a good step, especially if we have good relations with our neighbouring country, it will help us. Bhutan is a strategically important country, hence, we must develop our ties with that nation," Anwar said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Bhutan's joint session of Parliament by describing himself to be fortunate enough to be able to address here and heaped lavish praise on the neighbouring country for firming up democratic traditions.

Modi will unveil the foundation stone of the 600 megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project. Construction works for the joint venture project is expected to start between September and October this year.

The King of Bhutan will host a lunch in honour of the prime minister and his delegation before they depart from Thimphu on June 16.

This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first foreign visit after he assumed office on May 26.