WATCH: PM Modi received by Bhutan counterpart Lotay Tshering as he arrives in Paro, accorded full guard of honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on Saturday on a two-day state visit. This is Prime Minister Modi's second visit outside India after being elected as Prime Minister consecutively for the second time. PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Bhutanese leaders to further deepen the bilateral ties. Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering received PM Modi at the airport and the Prime Minister was accorded a guard of honour on his arrival.

PM Modi took to Twitter and thanked PM of Bhutan for the ceremonial welcome:

In what was most appreciated by the Bhutanese counterpart of PM Modi was that he tweeted in Bhutanese after his arrival. He called PM Modi as an inspiring leader who embodies courage, compassion and conviction, and leads the world’s largest democracy.

In his departure statement issued in New Delhi on Friday, the prime minister said his visit to the Himalayan nation in the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance his government attaches to New Delhi's relations with Bhutan-- a "trusted friend and neighbour".He expressed confidence that his visit will promote India's "time-tested and valued friendship" with Bhutan and consolidate it further for the prosperous future and progress of the people of both the countries. Here is his full statement:

I will be on a State Visit to Bhutan on 17-18 August 2019.  My visit to Bhutan in the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance that the Government attaches to India’s relations with Bhutan, our trusted friend and neighbour. 

India and Bhutan enjoy excellent bilateral ties exemplified by our extensive development partnership, mutually beneficial hydro-power co-operation, and strong trade and economic linkages.  These are, reinforced by a shared spiritual heritage and robust people-to-people ties. 

Both countries jointly celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations last year.

India-Bhutan partnership today is of a special character and substance and forms an important pillar of Government of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. 

I look forward to having fruitful discussions with H.M. the King, H.M. the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Prime Minister of Bhutan on the entire gamut of our bilateral relations. I also look forward to addressing young Bhutanese students at the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan. 

I am confident that my visit will promote our time-tested and valued friendship with Bhutan and consolidate it further for the prosperous future and progress of the people of both our countries.

During the visit, PM Modi would hold talks with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his Bhutanese counterpart on the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi will also address young Bhutanese students at the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan. 

On August 15, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering took to Twitter and wrote "It is an honour for Bhutan to have a friend like India which has been on their side for centuries", adding that they anticipate PM Modi's visit to the Himalayan nation.