The Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi arrived in Thimpu this morning on a two-day visit to Bhutan. He is accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh. Mr. Modi will meet Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Our correspondent reports that the Prime Minister is also scheduled to address the joint sitting of both houses of Bhutan's Parliament.

In a statement issued on the eve of his visit to Bhutan, Mr. Modi said that relations with Bhutan will be a key foreign policy priority of his government. He expressed commitment for India's continuing unstinted support to the Himalayan nation in its development efforts. Mr Modi said, India and Bhutan enjoy a unique and special relationship, which has been forged by ties of geography, history and culture. Therefore, Bhutan as the destination for his first visit abroad as Prime Minister is a natural choice. He said, during his visit, he will have the opportunity to hold detailed discussions with the King and the Prime Minister of Bhutan on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.