Modi, Bhutanese PM jointly launch RuPay card Phase-II
Bhutanese card holders to access RuPay network in India
image for illustrative purpose
PM Modi said that India will stand solidly with Bhutan always. ISRO will launch Bhutanese satellites into space. BSNL has inked an agreement with Bhutan regarding third international internet gateway
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering on Friday 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 last year.
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. "Like other Indians I have great love and friendship with Bhutan, when I meet you all its like meeting our own," Prime Minister told the Bhutanese audience on the occasion." The relation between India and Bhutan is important and best example for the world," the prime minister added.
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. The RuPay card is an Indian debit and credit card payment network, with acceptance at ATMs, POS devices and e-commerce websites. Prime Minister of Bhutan lauded Modi's efforts in tackling the pandemic.
"The Excellency's (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) leadership in tackling the pandemic at home is highly commended," Lotay Tshering said. "I am sure India will come out much stronger from the pandemic. The lead that India is taking in developing vaccines is source of hope for all of us." The Bhutan Prime Minister thanked India for promising to provide vaccine when it is ready
