Thimpu, Bhutan:Â Â Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday night that having a good neighbour is important for a country’s happiness and in its absence a nation cannot live in peace despite prosperity. He made the remarks while reminding Bhutan that one of the factors responsible for its happiness was having a good neighbour like India.
“In the guarantee of happiness, it is important what kind of a neighbour you get. Sometimes you get such a neighbour that in spite of having all the happiness and prosperity, you cannot live in peace,” Modi said while speaking at a banquet hosted by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
Modi assured Bhutan that India is committed to its happiness and progress even though the government in Delhi has changed, as he specified areas like peace, security, conservation and tourism for focus of pushing the ties. The assurance assumes significance as China has been trying to win over Bhutan recently.
Referring to Bhutan’s unique trait of laying thrust on ‘Gross National Happiness’ rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Modi said one of the parameters for measuring this could be the consideration that it has a “neighbour like India”.
“Bhutan’s parameters of happiness, among them, one is having a friend like India. It is an important parameter for happiness. I firmly believe that. Because we know that what are the benefits of neighbours and what are the problems of neighbours. We know it very well. That is why, being a good neighbour is a big reason for happiness and it gives a chance for progress,” Modi said.
“India is with Bhutan, with its success, its happiness, and will continue to be with Bhutan.Â
Modi commended Bhutanese King and the government for ensuring the country’s progress despite difficulties and said India will continue to contribute to this.
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