Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that strong and prosperous India will enable to perform it's responsibilities toward its neighbours more effectively.

Addressing the joint session of Bhutan's Parliament in Thimphu today Mr. Narendra Modi said that India's strength and prosperity will help the SAARC countries and their interests will be protected and mutual cooperation will be intensified.

Prime Minister said India and Bhutan's relation is based on common historical and cultural traditions of both the countries.

Mr. Modi suggested that an annual sports event should be organized among all the North Eastern Himalayan states of India and Bhutan to expand people to people contact between both the countries.

Mr. Modi also said India has also decided to set up a centre for Himalayan Study to study the lives in Himalayan region and climate change and it will be beneficial for the Bhutan also.

He said expansion of education and people to people contacts are more effective to strengthen the relationships.

AIR correspondent covering the Prime Minister's visit reports that the highlighting the growth of India Bhutan cooperation in the field of Hydropower projects. Mr. Modi has laid the Foundation Stone of the 600 MW Kholongchu Hydropower Project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in New Delhi this evening after completing the Bhutan Visit.