Narendra Modi, on his first visit to a foreign nation as the PM, in Bhutan will engage with all three pillars of democracy — Parliament, executive and judiciary. Modi plans to assure the Bhutan government that there will “continuity” of New Delhi’s policy as envisaged by the Manmohan Singh government and there will be new vigour in the relationship. Besides meeting Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay after about three weeks of their first meet in Delhi, Modi — who will be there on June 15 and 16 — will meet King Jingme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and his 58-year-old father — the fourth king — Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Modi will also interact with top member of Bhutan judiciary when he inaugurates the new Supreme Court building in Thimpu. He will also address a joint sitting of the country’s parliament. Modi is also expected to visit some of the hydropower project sites near Thimphu, which are being developed along the Punatsangchhu river. “Our hydropower cooperation with Bhutan is a classic example of win-win cooperation,” said Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, adding “the hydropower projects generate export revenues for Bhutan, cement our economic partnership and provide clean and low-cost electricity to India”. On the choice of Bhutan as the first destination of the new PM, Singh said, “Bhutan is one of our most important strategic partners. It is a good country to show our policy of good neighbourliness in South Asia and special token of our friendship. Our relations with Bhutan are unique and warm. Our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners.” Modi will be accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh among others senior officials.
