PM Modi launches RuPay Card Phase-2 in Bhutan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20 launched the phase two of RuPay card virtually by video conference with PM Bhutan Lotay Tshering. Launching the RuPay Card phase-2, PM Modi said that RuPay cards issued by the Bhutan National Bank can be used at ATMs for Rs 1 lakh and Rs 20 lakh at point-of-sale terminals. 

“This would make tourism, shopping and other transactions easier for Bhutanese tourists in India,” Modi said.   

“I’m happy to know that there have been 11,000 successful Rupay transactions in Bhutan already. If COVID-19 pandemic not happened, this number would have been much higher. We are launching the Phase II of the RuPay Card scheme,” the Prime Minister said. 

PM Modi also spoke about a few frameworks signed by both the countries for peaceful usage of space and talked about the boost it’ll give to India-Bhutan ties.  

He said, “Recently, India and Bhutan signed a framework for Peaceful Usage of Outer Space. This will help institutions in both countries and improve cooperation. India has recently opened its space sector for private enterprises. This will promote capacity, innovation, and skills.” 

During the launch, PM Modi also welcomed Bhutan’s agreement with BSNL on the Third International Internet Gateway saying India will be fully ready to share its experience and facilities to realize this vision and will support the objective of building an ICT-enabled knowledge-based society in Bhutan. 

Modi also said that India has recently opened up its space sector to private enterprise, making a huge reform. This will boost capacity, innovation and skills.  

"I am particularly happy that the work is going on fast to send space to Bhutan's satellite by ISRO next year,” he said. For this, four promising young space engineers from Bhutan will go to ISRO in December.   

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering thanked PM Modi for India’s leadership in handling COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re thankful to you and your government for the assurance to make the vaccine available for Bhutan, once it is ready for clinical use,” he said. 

“The Excellency’s (PM Modi) leadership in tackling the pandemic at home is highly commended. I am sure India will come out much stronger from the pandemic. The lead that India is taking in developing vaccines is a source of hope for all of us,” Lotay Tshering said. 

Source: PIB