PM Narendra Modi Bhutan visit: PM Modi asked the "brightest minds" of Bhutan to work hard

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday left for home after concluding his two-day state visit to Bhutan during which he held talks with the country's leaders to further deepen the bilateral ties.

"Thank you Bhutan! It was a memorable visit. The affection I have received from the people of this wonderful nation can never be forgotten. There were many programmes which I had the honour of taking part in. The outcomes of the visit will enhance bilateral ties," PM Modi said just before his departure from Bhutan.

PM Modi arrived in Bhutan on Saturday. This was his second visit to the country and the first since his re-election in May this year. He addressed parliamentarians and students at the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu this morning and spoke on the bond between India and Bhutan.

Praising Bhutan, he said: "In any part of the world, if we ask the question what do you associate with Bhutan, the answer will be the concept of Gross National Happiness. I am not surprised. Bhutan has understood the essence of happiness."

He also asked the "brightest minds" of Bhutan to work hard and take the Himalayan nation to great heights. "There is no better time to be young than now," PM Modi said.

Here are the highlights of PM Modi's visit to Bhutan:

Aug 18, 2019 17:26 (IST) PM Modi returns after winding up his two-day visit to Bhutan

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his two-day state visit to Bhutan. External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar receives him at the airport. pic.twitter.com/1NOdIJjyGR - ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2019

Aug 18, 2019 17:21 (IST) Grateful to India for building ground station: Bhutan PM

Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering today.

"Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it. Now with the help of the Indian government, with the help of ISRO, and SAARC satellite activities are going on," Tshering told news agency ANI

Aug 18, 2019 14:46 (IST) PM Modi leaves for Delhi from Bhutan

Bhutan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi from Paro International Airport after concluding a two-day visit to Bhutan. pic.twitter.com/wU5sGAQCsW - ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2019

Thank you Bhutan for your love and affection.



PM @narendramodi embarks for Delhi following a remarkable visit that heralded cooperation in new areas. As a special gesture, seen off by @PMBhutan at Paro airport. pic.twitter.com/3wzVfvYvd8 - Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) August 18, 2019

Aug 18, 2019 14:29 (IST) It was a memorable visit. The affection I have received from the people of this wonderful nation can never be forgotten. There were many programmes which I had the honour of taking part in. The outcomes of the visit will enhance bilateral ties.



It was a memorable visit. The affection I have received from the people of this wonderful nation can never be forgotten. There were many programmes which I had the honour of taking part in. The outcomes of the visit will enhance bilateral ties.

Aug 18, 2019 14:04 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a cultural program at Tashichhoedzong Palace in Thimphu

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a cultural program at Tashichhoedzong Palace in Thimphu, #Bhutan. pic.twitter.com/jm48goaLYc - ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2019

Aug 18, 2019 13:05 (IST) PM Modi pays his respects at the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, a revered monument honoring the late Third Druk Gyalpo







PM Modi pays his respects at the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, a revered monument honoring the late Third Druk Gyalpo

Aug 18, 2019 12:40 (IST) Bhutan's Leader of Opposition Pema Gyamtsho meets PM Narendra Modi in Thimpu







Aug 18, 2019 12:30 (IST) Exam Warrior Inspired By Lord Buddha: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his book Exam Warriors is inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha. He was addressing students in the Royal University of Bhutan when he referred to a recent post on Facebook by Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, which he said "touched his heart". Read Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his book Exam Warriors is inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha. He was addressing students in the Royal University of Bhutan when he referred to a recent post on Facebook by Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, which he said "touched his heart". Read here

Aug 18, 2019 12:28 (IST) "As Bhutan soars high in its endeavours, your 1.3 billion Indian friends will not just look on and cheer you with pride and happiness. They will partner you, share with you and learn from you," said PM Modi. Read here



Aug 18, 2019 12:28 (IST) "As Bhutan soars high in its endeavours, your 1.3 billion Indian friends will not just look on and cheer you with pride and happiness. They will partner you, share with you and learn from you," said PM Modi. Read here



Aug 18, 2019 12:25 (IST) "India, Bhutan Expanding Satellite Cooperation": PM Modi

"It is even a matter of great happiness that young Bhutanese scientists will travel to India to work on designing and launching Bhutan's own small satellite. I hope that someday soon, many of you will be scientists, engineers and innovators": PM Modi In Bhutan



Aug 18, 2019 12:23 (IST) "Bond Of Learning Between Us Is Ancient": PM Modi in Bhutan

"The bond of learning between us is as modern as it is ancient. In the 20th century, many Indians came to Bhutan as teachers. Most Bhutanese citizens of older generations would have had at least one India teacher during their education": PM Modi In Thimpu



Aug 18, 2019 12:22 (IST) Bhutan's Message To Humanity Is Happiness: PM Modi

"Bhutan's message to humanity is happiness. Happiness which springs from harmony. The world can do with a lot more happiness. Happiness, which shall prevail over mindless hate. If people are happy, there will be harmony. Where there is harmony, there will be peace," PM Modi said today while addressing students and parliamentarians in Thimpu