Modi calls on Bhutan king, holds talk with PM

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and also held talks with the landlocked Himalayan country's premier, Tshering Tobgay.

Hours after arriving in Bhutan to a rousing welcome from hundreds of school children, who lined his route, Modi visited the Bhutanese state secretariat for an interaction with the king. Later, he met Tobgay, who is slated to host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.

Ahead of his meeting with the king, Modi was extended a ceremonial welcome. Drummers struck up a beat as performers dressed in traditional attire rendered ethnic Bhutanese dances during the colourful programme at the sprawling courtyard of the Tashichhoedzong - the secretariat of the Bhutan government on the northern edge of the capital city. Adding to the glitter, flag bearers walked in rhythm while musicians played traditional instruments like large cymbals.

Modi, clad in a bandh gala and a pair of trousers, was eremonially taken to the aisle for the formal guard of honour.

"PM @narendramodi led in traditional chhipdrel procession to Tashichhodzong to receive an audience from HM the King," tweeted Bhutan Prime Minister Tobgay.

"Bhutan pulls out all stops to ceremonially welcome @PMOIndia on his 1st visit abroad," India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin posted on Twitter.

Later Sunday, Modi is to inaugurate the new Supreme Court building in Hejo, which was constructed with funding from the Indian government.