PM Narendra Modi, Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering jointly launch RuPay Card Phase-II - Check how it benefits users

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering on Friday launched RuPay card Phase-II. The RuPay card Phase-II 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.

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.

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.

"I am delighted that work is going on rapidly to send Bhutan's satellite to space with the help of ISRO, next year. For this purpose, Bhutan's four space engineers will go to ISRO in December, I send my regards to these four youth," PM Narendra Modi said.

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.

Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering said, "We're thankful to you and your govt for the assurance to make the vaccine available for Bhutan, once they are ready for clinical use. The Excellency's (PM Modi) leadership in tackling the pandemic at home is highly commended. I'm 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 Excellency's (PM Modi) leadership in tackling the pandemic at home is highly commended. I'm 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," Lotay Tshering added.