Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome and a grand ceremonial guard of honour by the Bhutan government in the country's capital city Thimphu on Sunday.
Modi is on a two-day foreign visit to Bhutan - his first ever. Modi is accompanied by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other high officials.
The Indian Prime Minister arrived in Thimphu to strengthen India's cultural and trade relations with Bhutan. Modi and his delegation was received by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and several of his Cabinet colleagues at the Paro airport.
From Paro airport, Modi was drove down to Thimphu. All along the distance between the airport and the capital city, people including children waved to the India Prime Minister and his ntourage, with the flags of both India and Bhutan.
Modi's photos on big hoardings were also seen on the way to the Bhutanese capital. Modi's entourage traversed the way dotted with colourful mountains.
Once arrived in Thimphu, Modi called on Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. Modi is visiting Bhutan on the invitation of both the King and Prime Minister.
Modi described Bhutan as a "natural choice" of his first foreign destination because of the "unique and special relationship".
According to reports, Modi's trip to Bhutan assumes importance in the wake of China's latest efforts to intensify its diplomatic ties with Bhutan.
"I am looking forward to my first-ever visit to Bhutan and to nurturing and further strengthening India's special relations with Bhutan," Modi had said before leaving for Bhutan.
In his tour, Modi will address Bhutan's joint session of the Parliament and also inaugurate the building of the Supreme Court of Bhutan, a project built with assistance from India.
Modi shared his sentiments about Bhutan and his visit to the country on his Twitter handle.
I travel to Bhutan with immense happiness & a strong desire to further strengthen our already strong bond http://t.co/IMnabeKw0X
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2014
I would have the honour of addressing the Joint Session of the Parliament of Bhutan & inaugurate the building of Bhutan's Supreme Court.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2014
Bhutan & India share a very special relationship that has stood the test of time. Thus, Bhutan was a natural choice for my 1st visit abroad.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2014