New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 17) landed in Bhutan for a two-day state visit to promote the "time-tested friendship" between the two countries.

In his visit, PM Modi is expected to sign 10 Memorandum of understanding (MoU) in fields like education amongst others. The prime minister is also expected to take part in five inaugurations, including the Mangdechhu hydroelectric power plant and the ISRO-built earth station in Thimphu.

According to his departure statement issued on Friday (August 16), the prime minister said that his visit to the Himalayan nation at the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance his government attaches to New Delhi's relations with Bhutan, "trusted friend and neighbour".

He expressed confidence that his visit would promote India's "time-tested and valued friendship" with Bhutan and consolidate it further for the prosperous future and progress of the people of both the countries.

According to the ministry of external affairs (MEA), PM Modi's two-day visit would explore ways to strengthen further and diversify bilateral partnership with the neighbouring country.

The MEA further said that he would hold talks with the host nation's leadership on economic and development cooperation, hydropower cooperation and people-to-people-ties.