New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering on Friday launched RuPay card Phase-II that will allow Bhutanese card holders to access the RuPay network in India.
The prime ministers of the two countries had jointly launched Phase-I of the project during Modi's state visit to Bhutan in August last year.
In his speech via video conferencing, Modi spoke about the deep cooperating between the countries in a gamut of fields, including ISRO's preparation to launch Bhutanese satellites into space and BSNL's agreement with Bhutan regarding third international internet gateway.
During the launching the second phase of RuPay card, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that India will soon be sending Bhutanese satellite to space.
"Like other Indians I have great love and friendship with Bhutan, when I meet you all its like meeting our own," Prime Minister told the Bhutanese audience on the occasion.
"The relation between India and Bhutan is important and best example for the world," the prime minister added.
He said he is happy that 11,000 transaction took place through RuPay card in Bhutan, and if the Covid pandemic would not have hit the volume could have been greater.
"From my visit to Bhutan, in the phase-1 of RuPay card launch, till now, 11,000 successful RuPay transactions have taken place in Bhutan. Today with the launch of phase-2, we welcome Bhutan as a full-time partner in the RuPay network," Modi said.
Prime Minister along with Bhutan Prime Minister had launched the first phase of RuPay card last year during his visit.
Prime Minister of Bhutan lauded Modi's efforts in tackling the pandemic.
"The Excellency's (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) leadership in tackling the pandemic at home is highly commended," Lotay Tshering said.
"I am sure India will come out much stronger from the pandemic. The lead that India is taking in developing vaccines is source of hope for all of us."
The Bhutan Prime Minister thanked India for promising to provide vaccine when it is ready.
(With Agency Inputs)