<span style="color: #222222;">On the occasion of the New Year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had telephone conversation with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, President of Srilanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli. Mr Modi conveyed to the leaders his New Year greetings and good wishes on behalf of the people of India. He emphasized India's commitment to Neighbourhood First policy and the vision of shared peace, security, prosperity and progress for all of India's friends and partners in the region.<br />'' <br />'' In his conversation with the King of Bhutan, Prime Minister Modi highlighted important achievements of the last year which have led to the further consolidation of special ties between India and Bhutan. He also emphasized the need to enhance youth exchanges between the two countries. President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa warmly reciprocated the wishes of Prime Minister and expressed confidence that India and Sri Lanka will further enhance their friendly ties in the year 2020. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to closely work together towards this end.<br />'' <br />'' Prime Minister Modi wished the President of the Maldives and the people of the Maldives success in all their endeavours for development. President Solih warmly reciprocated Prime Minister's wishes and expressed his keen desire to further deepen and strengthen the ties with India by enhancing the existing bilateral cooperation and exploring newer areas for working together.<br />'' <br />''<br />''Speaking with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Mr Modi congratulated her on being re-elected as the President of the Awami League for the next three years. He stated that the upcoming birth-centenary of Bangabandhu and 50 years of the Liberation of Bangladesh and establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties provided important milestones to further progress of the close India-Bangladesh ties.</span><br />