Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched phase two of the RuPay card in Bhutan on Friday with his counterpart Lotay Tshering. Launching the card, Prime Minister Modi said that RuPay cards issued by the National Bank of Bhutan can be used at ATMs for 1 lakh rupees and for 20 lakh rupees at point-of-sale terminals.
“This would facilitate tourism, shopping and other transactions for Bhutanese tourists in India,” said the Prime Minister. “I am happy to hear that 11,000 successful Rupay transactions have already taken place in Bhutan. If Covid hadn’t happened, this number would have been much higher. We are launching Phase II of the RuPay Card scheme, ”he added.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke about a framework signed by both countries for the peaceful use of space and spoke about the impetus it will give to India-Bhutan ties. “Recently, India and Bhutan signed a framework for the peaceful use of outer space. This will help the institutions of both countries and improve cooperation. India has recently opened its space sector for private companies. This will promote capacity, innovation and skills, ”said Prime Minister Modi.
During the launch, Prime Minister Modi also welcomed Bhutan’s agreement with BSNL on the third international Internet portal.
Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s leadership in handling the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are grateful to you and your government for ensuring that the vaccine is available to Bhutan once it is ready for clinical use,” he said.
“The leadership of Excellence (PM Modi) in the fight against the pandemic at home is highly praised. I am sure that India will emerge much stronger from the pandemic. The leadership that India is taking in vaccine development is a source of hope for all of us, ”added Lotay Tshering.
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