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.

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.

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.

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.