Narendra Modi's address in the Bhutanese Parliament has raked up quite an uproar on Twitter as the Prime Minister of India, in an embarrassing slip during his speech, said "Nepal" instead of Bhutan, while hailing the royal family.
Known for his oratory skills, Modi's shock slip of tongue invited the wrath of Twitteratis.
"I want to begin with a tribute to the Nepal... Bhutan royal family that ensured democratic values and protected people's rights..." said Modi, who is on his first foreign visit after becoming Prime Minister.
Though Modi was quick to correct the slip, social media instantly picked it up. Under hashtags such as #Bhutan, #Nepal and #TravelTipstoModi, Twitter users posted several sarcastic comments on the gaffe.
Modi is currently on the second and final day of his official visit to Bhutan. The visit is aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and improve trade between the two countries.
Twitter reactions
#Modi calls #Bhutan as #Nepal. What an epic Disaster. After history, it's geography at it's best!! It happens only in #India. :p
— Madhavam Sharma (@MadhavamSharma) June 16, 2014
# Modi addresses #Bhutan as Nepal seems to compete with S.M.Krishna's fiasco at UN few years back.
— VIJAY PANJIAR (@vijaypanjiar) June 16, 2014
Heard PM Modi's trip to Nepal was a roaring success..oops Ladakh trip...oh wait sorry for the slip of tongue I meant Bhutan. ;)
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) June 16, 2014
I'm trying to get this right. Modi referred to Bhutan as Nepal or Ladakh or (Heaven forbid), both?
— Pragya Tiwari (@PragyaTiwari) June 16, 2014
Its fact Modi doesn't know Geography, that's the reason he says Nepal to Bhutan. Earlier he related Chandra Gupta Maurya & Takasila to Bihar
— chandan Kumar (@chandan_charag) June 16, 2014
Modi's address
The Indian Prime Minister started his address in the Bhutanese Parliament by appreciating the country for chosing to become democratic from monarchy.
"The smooth transition from monarchy to democracy shows the political maturity in Bhutan. It is an example of people's awareness. I commend the way Bhutan has transitioned into a democracy in seven years," IBNLive quoted Modi.
Modi, who will conclude his two-day visit on Monday, praised the royal family for their support in allowing democracy in the country.
"It's commendable the way Bhutan royal family has protected the rights of its ordinary citizens," he stated.
After gaining a phenomenal victory in the Lok Sabha elections and taking charge as the 15th Prime Minister of India on 27 May, the visit to Bhutan is Modi's first official foreign trip. While mentioning the landslide victory, Modi said that the people of India chose his government to re-establish democracy in the country, and stressed that Bhutan also should promote democratic ways
Modi also suggested that India and Bhutan should take up joint sporting events, preferably in the lap of Himalayas.
"The Himalayas bring us together. We must be very proud of the Himalayas. It is our strength. I thought - all Himalayan states and Bhutan - can we not do a special sports meet on a regular basis. Sportsman spirit brings happiness."
Modi is scheduled to travel to Japan next.
