In Bhutan, Modi inaugurates new SC building, to address joint Parliament

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is visiting Bhutan inaugurated the new Supreme Court building of the neighbouring Himalayan country on Day 1 of his visit.

The new SC building in Hejo was constructed with funding from the Indian government. Bhutanese PM tweeted about the event saying, Supreme Court inaugurated by PM @narendramodi The impressive structure, already a landmark, was built with Government of India assistance."

Modi who received a warming welcome in Bhutan has a number of programmes scheduled for his two-day visit. Modi will on Monday address the joint session of the parliament of Bhutan. He will also lay the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchu hydropower project.

Narendra Modi on Sunday embarked on his maiden visit to Bhutan as India's Prime Minister. His two-day trip underscores his government's commitment to consolidate ties in India's neighbourhood.

Modi arrived at 11.40 a.m. local time (11.10 a.m. IST) to a red carpet welcome at the picturesque Paro International Airport, which is nestled amidst mountain ranges. He was greeted by Bhutanese Premier Tshering Tobgay, his cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

As a smling Modi alighted from the flght with his hands folded in namaste, Tobgay received the prime minister in the traditional Bhutanese style by draping a khadar around his neck.

After a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport, Modi was driven in a huge convoy of vehicles to the scenic Bhutanese capital Thimpu, about 60 km from the airport, amid tight security.

Enthusiastic school children, some of them carrying colourful umbrellas, lined up at various sections of the route to the capital, waving the flags of the two neighbours, while there were several welcome arches with cutouts of Modi and Tobgay.

On one arch was embossed: "Bhutan takes pleasure welcoming our close friend Indian prime minister Shri Narendra Modi". Another was dedicated "to Bhutan and India - a shining testimony of bilateral relations".

The flags of the two countries were also hoisted at many lampposts.

Modi is accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh.