This handout photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) on March 14, 2024 shows India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking with his Bhutan's counterpart Tshering Tobgay (left) during a meeting in New Delhi. (PIB / AFP)

NEW DELHI - Visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to expand hydro-power cooperation during their talks held in the Indian capital, according to a joint statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

The two prime ministers met on Thursday, the first day of Tobgay's five-day official visit to India. It is Tobgay's first overseas visit after he assumed office in January.

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The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, with a focus on energy cooperation and welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding on a 15 billion Indian rupee (around $181 million) concessionary financing to the Bhutanese government for youth development.