The fact that Modi chose Bhutan as his foreign destination assumes significance since China has lately intensified efforts to win it over and establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with Thimpu.
He will meet Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during his two-day visit during which the two sides will explore ways to give a boost to their ties, particularly in trade and hydro-electricity.
"Bhutan is one of our most important strategic partners.. It is a very good country to show our policy of good neighbourliness in South Asia and special token of our friendship," the Foreign Secretary told a press conference here while briefing on the visit.
She was explaining why Bhutan was chosen as the first foreign destination of Modi.