India, Bhutan to enhance economic ties as Modi pitches for 'B2B' links

India and Bhutan Sunday focused on extensive development cooperation between the two neighbours and discussed measures to enhance economic ties as visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described their close and friendly ties as "B2B" or "Bharat to Bhutan" relations.

Modi, who called on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and later met the landlocked Himalayan nation's premier, Tshering Tobgay, expressed satisfaction at India being considered a privileged partner of Bhutan, official sources said.

"The prime minister expressed satisfaction at India being considered as a privileged partner of Bhutan and stressed that his government would not only nurture these strong bonds, but would also strengthen them," the sources said.

"The primary focus of both the meetings was the extensive development cooperation between the two countries and measures to enhance the economic ties," they said.

Describing the bilateral relations as "B2B" relations, Modi emphasised the possibilities of greater educational contacts and suggested doubling the scholarships being provided to Bhutanese students in India.

Modi also said that India will assist in setting up a digital library which will provide Bhutanese youth access to two million books and periodicals.

Thanking the Bhutanese leadership for the warm welcome accorded to him, the prime minister said that "it reflects the warmth in our bilateral relations".

"He applauded the personal efforts made in ensuring the success of his first visit outside India," the sources added.