New Delhi: Lauding Bhutan's outlook on the environment andeconomic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said,"Bhutan has a special place in the hearts of 130 crore Indians...and Indiawill be a key partner in the country's economic growth according to the prioritiesof Bhutan"

PM Modi, who is on a 2-day visit to the south Asian country,said, "I am very happy that I have come to Bhutan soon after the beginningof my second term."

In a rare honour, press statements were done at the SimtokhaDzong in front of the statue of Zhabdrung Rinpoche or Ngawang Namgyal, whounited Bhutan as a country. Simtokha Dzong is the oldest monastery castle ofBhutan built by Ngawang Namgyal. Commending PM Modi's ''strong and dynamicleadership" which can take "bold decisions", Bhutan PM LotayTshering said, "India's stature and influence has grown in theinternational arena and it has emerged as a global leader"Indian andBhutanese leaders inaugurated 720MW Mangdechhu hydropower, a ground earthstation build by ISRO at the cost of Rs 7 Crore in Thimpu, and rolled out RuPaycard.

A total 9 MoUs were also exchanged by both sides.

India has also announced that it will increase LPG supply tothe South Asian country from 700 to 1000 MT per month and additional USD 100million will be made available to Bhutan under a standby swap arrangement tomeet the foreign exchange requirement.Earlier on his arrival at the ParoAirport on Saturday, he was received by Bhutanese PM. On the second day of thevisit, he will address the students of the Royal University of Bhutan