India, Bhutan launch RuPay card Phase-II

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering on November 20 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 2019.

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.

Also read:  Need to build India's image as leading global defence exporter, says PM Modi

He also asserted that India stands solidly with Bhutan in this difficult hour of the COVID-19 pandemic, and said meeting the neighbouring country’s requirements will always be its top priority.

Also read:  Modi vows to bring ‘asol poriborton’ in W. Bengal

The implementation of Phase-I of RuPay cards in Bhutan has enabled visitors from India to access ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals across Bhutan. Phase-II will now allow Bhutanese card holders to access RuPay network in India, the Ministry of External Affairs had said in a statement.

Also read:  Australian PM apologises after woman alleges she was raped in Parliament

India and Bhutan share a special partnership, anchored in mutual understanding and respect, reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links, the MEA had said.