&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-370-acted-as-a-tool-to-spread-terrorism-and-violence-in-valley-pm-modi-241575">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will be visiting&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;from August 17 to 18.

In a statement, the MEA said, "The visit reflects the high priority that the Government of India attaches to its relations with Bhutan, India’s trusted friend and neighbour. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan, very early in his second term, is in line with GoI’s continued emphasis on its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’."

PM will&nbsp;receive audiences with&nbsp;Bhutanese King&nbsp;Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the&nbsp;fourth King of Bhutan&nbsp;Jigme Singye Wangchuck and hold talks with Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering.

The MEA in its release highlighted the ties between the two countries stating, "India and Bhutan share a special and time-tested partnership" which is "anchored in mutual understanding and respect and reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links."

This will be the first visit by PM Modi to&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;after&nbsp;the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis&nbsp;saw a two-month-long&nbsp;standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese forces in&nbsp;the Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing.

Newly-elected Bhutanese&nbsp;Prime Minister Lyonchhen Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in&nbsp;December 2018. He was again in Delhi in May to attend Modi's oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan along with other BIMSTEC leaders.&nbsp;

Earlier this year,&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bhutan, his first visit abroad after taking charge.&nbsp;

Hydro-power sector is one of the main pillars of India-Bhutan&nbsp;ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country.&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;exports three fourth of power generated, which is surplus, to India and uses rest for its domestic consumption.

Bhutan&nbsp;was the first country PM Modi visited after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, the prime minister addressed the joint session of&nbsp;Bhutanese Parliament,&nbsp;laid&nbsp;the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with the help of the Indian government.

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bhutan from August 17 to 18. In a statement, the MEA said, "The visit reflects the high priority that the Government of India attaches to its relations with Bhutan, India’s trusted friend and neighbour.

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bhutan from August 17 to 18. In a statement, the MEA said, "The visit reflects the high priority that the Government of India attaches to its relations with Bhutan, India’s trusted friend and neighbour. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan, very early in his second term, is in line with GoI’s continued emphasis on its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’." PM will receive audiences with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck and hold talks with Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. The MEA in its release highlighted the ties between the two countries stating, "India and Bhutan share a special and time-tested partnership" which is "anchored in mutual understanding and respect and reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links." This will be the first visit by PM Modi to Bhutan after the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese forces in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing. Newly-elected Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhen Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December 2018. He was again in Delhi in May to attend Modi's oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan along with other BIMSTEC leaders. Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bhutan, his first visit abroad after taking charge. Hydro-power sector is one of the main pillars of India-Bhutan ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country. Bhutan exports three fourth of power generated, which is surplus, to India and uses rest for its domestic consumption. Bhutan was the first country PM Modi visited after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, the prime minister addressed the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament, laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with the help of the Indian government.

With focus on 'neighbourhood first policy', PM Modi to visit Bhutan on August 17

In 2014, Bhutan was the first foreign visit by PM Modi. Now PM Modi will again move to Bhutan for 2 days visit. Last Month Indian Foreign Minister also visited Bhutan for 2 days. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi will move to Bhutan for 2 days visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan on a two-day visit starting August 17. This will be his first visit to Bhutan since the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan.

New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December of 2018. He returned to Delhi in May to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan along with other leaders of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).&nbsp;

Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bhutan, his first visit abroad after taking charge.&nbsp;

Hydro-power sector is one of the main pillars of India-Bhutan ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country. Bhutan exports three-fourth of power generated, which is in surplus, to India and uses the rest for domestic consumption.

Bhutan was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament, laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with Government of India's assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan on a two-day visit starting August 17. This will be his first visit to Bhutan since the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan on a two-day visit starting August 17. This will be his first visit to Bhutan since the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan. New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December of 2018. He returned to Delhi in May to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan along with other leaders of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bhutan, his first visit abroad after taking charge. Hydro-power sector is one of the main pillars of India-Bhutan ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country. Bhutan exports three-fourth of power generated, which is in surplus, to India and uses the rest for domestic consumption. Bhutan was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament, laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with Government of India's assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Bhutan on August 17-18

Bhutan was once the poster child for green living. In 2000, Bhutan had 19,000 cars, buses & trucks. Thimphu has 40 buses for 1,00,000 people. In decades Bhutan has seen a 500% increase in vehicles. Bhutan is the world's only carbon negative country. Watch this video to know further...

What Worries 'Green & Happy' Bhutan?

Famed for valuing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-happy-bhutan-the-prime-minister-is-a-doc-on-saturdays-217279">Gross National Happiness</a> over economic growth, Bhutan is a poster child for sustainable development.&nbsp;

But booming car sales may impact efforts to preserve its rare status as a carbon-negative country and an increase in traffic is testing the good humour of its citizens.

Bhutan has seen a more than five-fold increase in cars, buses and trucks on its roads in the past two decades, according to transport authority director general Pemba Wangchuk with capital Thimphu hardest hit by the influx of vehicles.

Phuntsho Wangdi, a media consultant, says the congestion and lack of parking now make driving stressful in the tiny Himalayan kingdom where there are no traffic lights.&nbsp;

"I wish there were fewer cars. It wasn't like this before," he adds of life in Thimphu, which is home to half the cars in the country.

The nation's economy has grown 7.5 per cent each year in the past decade, according to the World Bank. Officials estimate there is now one car for every seven people in Bhutan, which has a total population of 750,000.

But the nation's narrow country lanes and outdated city roads can barely cope. A lack of infrastructure, along with poor driving etiquette&nbsp;some simply leave their cars parked in the middle of the road -- compounds the problem.

"Every year the number of cars and the number of people are increasing, and the roads have remained the same, and it’s a problem for us," Lhendup, a taxi driver, tells AFP. &nbsp;

Gridlock misery

Morning rush hour journeys that once took five minutes now take more than half an hour.&nbsp;

This may seem a small figure compared to the hours of gridlock faced by commuters in Manila, Jakarta, and Bangkok, but it is a step-change for the Bhutanese who say the situation has rapidly deteriorated in the past year.&nbsp;

"It is chaotic. I eat my breakfast in the car now to save time," says Kuenzang Choden, who drops her four-year-old daughter at school every day before heading to work.&nbsp;

The traffic jams are a sign of the wider economic changes the nation is facing. Bhutan is renowned for prioritising Gross National Happiness over GDP and has captured tourists' imagination as a tranquil, idyllic land, but there are signs of malcontent.&nbsp;

According to the World Bank's 2018 report, the youth unemployment rate is high, as is rural to urban migration, which puts a strain on the resources of towns and cities. And despite its reputation as a place where well-being is prioritised, it ranked 95th out of 156 countries in the 2019 UN World Happiness Report.&nbsp;

The proliferation of the internet and smartphones are fuelling modern desires, while dealers are filling their showrooms with new brands and models from Japan and South Korea to lure buyers.

And while taxes have increased and restrictions put on vehicle loans, car buyers are not discouraged.

Local financial institutions gave 3.2 billion ngultrums ($46 million) in car loans in 2015, but by last year the amount had reached 6.7 billion ngultrums ($96 million).

The figures please local businessmen but worry environmentalists keen to ensure Bhutan remains one of the world's greenest countries.

Environmental activist Yeshey Dorji explains: "As a nation that prides itself on being a carbon-negative country, the increase in the number of fossil fuel vehicles speaks poorly of our leadership position in environmental conservation."

Radical measures&nbsp;

Bhutan and Suriname, both with lush forests, are the only two countries to claim they are carbon negative, absorbing more carbon pollution than they give off.

Methane from cows, the burning of crops and other farm activities used to be Bhutan's main source of greenhouse gases. But that has changed in recent years to industry and cars.

Bhutan's constitution dictates that at least 60 per cent of the country must be forest and the figure is currently above 70 per cent. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But Bhutan is now importing more in fossil fuels than it exports in hydropower to India -- the country's biggest revenue earner.

Public transport is poor, particularly in Thimphu, which is home to 100,000 people but barely 40 buses.

The capital's mayor Kinlay Dorji plans to introduce bus-only lanes on city roads and wants to buy more buses.

"Its time for radical measures," he says.

"We have to make public transport more attractive and discourage owning cars," he adds, warning that unless action was taken Thimphu risked grinding to a standstill.

To ease congestion, the city is also constructing its first two multi-storey car parks that will each take about 600 cars.

The National Environment Commission insists Bhutan is still carbon-negative despite the traffic jams and vehicle boom but wants to stop things worsening.&nbsp;

Commission secretary Dasho Sonam P. Wangdi explains: "We cannot stop people from buying cars, but we can introduce alternative, less polluting cars such as the hybrid and electric ones to reduce carbon footprint." 
&nbsp;

Famed for valuing Gross National Happiness over economic growth, Bhutan is a poster child for sustainable development. But booming car sales may impact efforts to preserve its rare status as a carbon-negative country and an increase in traffic is testing the good humour of its citizens.

Famed for valuing Gross National Happiness over economic growth, Bhutan is a poster child for sustainable development. But booming car sales may impact efforts to preserve its rare status as a carbon-negative country and an increase in traffic is testing the good humour of its citizens. Bhutan has seen a more than five-fold increase in cars, buses and trucks on its roads in the past two decades, according to transport authority director general Pemba Wangchuk with capital Thimphu hardest hit by the influx of vehicles. Phuntsho Wangdi, a media consultant, says the congestion and lack of parking now make driving stressful in the tiny Himalayan kingdom where there are no traffic lights. "I wish there were fewer cars. It wasn't like this before," he adds of life in Thimphu, which is home to half the cars in the country. The nation's economy has grown 7.5 per cent each year in the past decade, according to the World Bank. Officials estimate there is now one car for every seven people in Bhutan, which has a total population of 750,000. But the nation's narrow country lanes and outdated city roads can barely cope. A lack of infrastructure, along with poor driving etiquette some simply leave their cars parked in the middle of the road -- compounds the problem. "Every year the number of cars and the number of people are increasing, and the roads have remained the same, and it’s a problem for us," Lhendup, a taxi driver, tells AFP. Gridlock misery Morning rush hour journeys that once took five minutes now take more than half an hour. This may seem a small figure compared to the hours of gridlock faced by commuters in Manila, Jakarta, and Bangkok, but it is a step-change for the Bhutanese who say the situation has rapidly deteriorated in the past year. "It is chaotic. I eat my breakfast in the car now to save time," says Kuenzang Choden, who drops her four-year-old daughter at school every day before heading to work. The traffic jams are a sign of the wider economic changes the nation is facing. Bhutan is renowned for prioritising Gross National Happiness over GDP and has captured tourists' imagination as a tranquil, idyllic land, but there are signs of malcontent. According to the World Bank's 2018 report, the youth unemployment rate is high, as is rural to urban migration, which puts a strain on the resources of towns and cities. And despite its reputation as a place where well-being is prioritised, it ranked 95th out of 156 countries in the 2019 UN World Happiness Report. The proliferation of the internet and smartphones are fuelling modern desires, while dealers are filling their showrooms with new brands and models from Japan and South Korea to lure buyers. And while taxes have increased and restrictions put on vehicle loans, car buyers are not discouraged. Local financial institutions gave 3.2 billion ngultrums ($46 million) in car loans in 2015, but by last year the amount had reached 6.7 billion ngultrums ($96 million). The figures please local businessmen but worry environmentalists keen to ensure Bhutan remains one of the world's greenest countries. Environmental activist Yeshey Dorji explains: "As a nation that prides itself on being a carbon-negative country, the increase in the number of fossil fuel vehicles speaks poorly of our leadership position in environmental conservation." Radical measures Bhutan and Suriname, both with lush forests, are the only two countries to claim they are carbon negative, absorbing more carbon pollution than they give off. Methane from cows, the burning of crops and other farm activities used to be Bhutan's main source of greenhouse gases. But that has changed in recent years to industry and cars. Bhutan's constitution dictates that at least 60 per cent of the country must be forest and the figure is currently above 70 per cent. But Bhutan is now importing more in fossil fuels than it exports in hydropower to India -- the country's biggest revenue earner. Public transport is poor, particularly in Thimphu, which is home to 100,000 people but barely 40 buses. The capital's mayor Kinlay Dorji plans to introduce bus-only lanes on city roads and wants to buy more buses. "Its time for radical measures," he says. "We have to make public transport more attractive and discourage owning cars," he adds, warning that unless action was taken Thimphu risked grinding to a standstill. To ease congestion, the city is also constructing its first two multi-storey car parks that will each take about 600 cars. The National Environment Commission insists Bhutan is still carbon-negative despite the traffic jams and vehicle boom but wants to stop things worsening. Commission secretary Dasho Sonam P. Wangdi explains: "We cannot stop people from buying cars, but we can introduce alternative, less polluting cars such as the hybrid and electric ones to reduce carbon footprint."

Car boom brings gridlock misery to 'green and happy' Bhutan

In a first-ever development, Indian waterways are being used to transport cargo between Bhutan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Around 1000 metric tons of stones from Bhutan are being transported to Bangladesh using the Brahmaputra by ship MV AAI which set sail from Dhubri in Assam on Friday. The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI)'s ship will reach Narayanganj in Bangladesh with the Bhutanese cargo.

The ship was digitally flagged off by Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and will use the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.

Speaking on the occasion the minister said, "Transport of cargo through this route will cut short travel time by 8 to 10 days, and reduce transportation cost by 30%, bringing down logistics costs."

The stones were transported by trucks from Phuentsholing in Bhutan to Dhubri in Assam, the total distance between the both is 160 kilometres. If the same 1000 MT of stones is carried via road, 70 trucks will be needed.

At least 10 other National Waterways are under development currently. Brahmaputra river is National waterway number 2.

India is increasingly using its rivers to transport cargo which is cheaper than transport on roads.

With about 14500 kilometres of navigable waterways includes rivers, canals etc currently about 55 million tones of cargo is being moved annually by inland water transport systems.&nbsp;

In a first-ever development, Indian waterways are being used to transport cargo between Bhutan and Bangladesh. Around 1000 metric tons of stones from Bhutan are being transported to Bangladesh using the Brahmaputra by ship MV AAI which set sail from Dhubri in Assam on Friday.

In a first-ever development, Indian waterways are being used to transport cargo between Bhutan and Bangladesh. Around 1000 metric tons of stones from Bhutan are being transported to Bangladesh using the Brahmaputra by ship MV AAI which set sail from Dhubri in Assam on Friday. The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI)'s ship will reach Narayanganj in Bangladesh with the Bhutanese cargo. The ship was digitally flagged off by Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and will use the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. Speaking on the occasion the minister said, "Transport of cargo through this route will cut short travel time by 8 to 10 days, and reduce transportation cost by 30%, bringing down logistics costs." The stones were transported by trucks from Phuentsholing in Bhutan to Dhubri in Assam, the total distance between the both is 160 kilometres. If the same 1000 MT of stones is carried via road, 70 trucks will be needed. At least 10 other National Waterways are under development currently. Brahmaputra river is National waterway number 2. India is increasingly using its rivers to transport cargo which is cheaper than transport on roads. With about 14500 kilometres of navigable waterways includes rivers, canals etc currently about 55 million tones of cargo is being moved annually by inland water transport systems.

In a first Indian waterways connect Bhutan and Bangladesh

Heavy rainfall in Bhutan has led to a rise in water levels of Pagladia and Borolia rivers in Assam which has washed away a crucial bridge connecting Tamulpur to Baksa District Headquarters.

This has left the locals in the region in great difficulty. People are using bamboo or banana rafts to cross the water.

"In Tamulpur people are using bamboo and banana rafts to cross the water, as the bridge connecting Tamulpur to Baksa District Headquarters has been washed away in flood," a government official said.&nbsp;

Heavy rainfall in Bhutan has led to a rise in water levels of Pagladia and Borolia rivers in Assam which has washed away a crucial bridge connecting Tamulpur to Baksa District Headquarters.

Heavy rainfall in Bhutan has led to a rise in water levels of Pagladia and Borolia rivers in Assam which has washed away a crucial bridge connecting Tamulpur to Baksa District Headquarters. This has left the locals in the region in great difficulty. People are using bamboo or banana rafts to cross the water. "In Tamulpur people are using bamboo and banana rafts to cross the water, as the bridge connecting Tamulpur to Baksa District Headquarters has been washed away in flood," a government official said.

Rains in Bhutan raise river water level in Assam's Tamulpur; bridge washes away

From Everest's base to earth's lowest elevation at Dead Sea, International Yoga Day celebrated across the globe

On 5th International Yoga Day 2019, Bhutan envoy said, 'Yoga is India's gift to the World.' Watch this video to know more.

International Yoga Day 2019: Bhutan envoy says, 'Yoga is India's gift to the World'

Bhutan's LGBT community celebrated Saturday after the tiny Himalayan kingdom's parliament became the world's latest to decriminalise homosexuality.

The lower house overwhelmingly voted late Friday to repeal two sections of the 2004 criminal code which made "unnatural sex" illegal.

"A lot of us cried," said Tashi Tsheten of Rainbow Bhutan that represents the country's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"We are a small and marginalised community and when our rights are discussed in parliament, it makes us extremely happy," Tashi said.

The law had never been used, but Finance Minister Namgay Tshering, who submitted the recommendation to repeal sections 213 and 214 of the penal code, said they had become "a stain" on the country's reputation.

Namgay Tshering said the sections had become redundant since Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 2008. "There is a high degree of acceptability of the LGBT community in our society," he said.

The minister added that he was optimistic that the code sections would be definitively scrapped when the upper house in the country of 750,000 people votes on Monday.

Tashi said some ministers had been social workers with contacts in the LGBT community and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is a surgeon. "So we had lot of hopes in this government."

There is no annual Gay Pride rally or other public display in Bhutan.

And while Tashi said there was a general acceptance of transgenders, especially in rural areas, they still face much discrimination, especially in schools.

"There are lots of barriers and our education system does not understand LGBT," Tashi said, adding that most LGBT youths drop out of school.

Once the bill is passed by the National Council, the upper chamber, it will be sent for royal assent.

Bhutan's LGBT community celebrated Saturday after the tiny Himalayan kingdom's parliament became the world's latest to decriminalise homosexuality. The lower house overwhelmingly voted late Friday to repeal two sections of the 2004 criminal code which made "unnatural sex" illegal.

Bhutan's LGBT community celebrated Saturday after the tiny Himalayan kingdom's parliament became the world's latest to decriminalise homosexuality. The lower house overwhelmingly voted late Friday to repeal two sections of the 2004 criminal code which made "unnatural sex" illegal. "A lot of us cried," said Tashi Tsheten of Rainbow Bhutan that represents the country's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. "We are a small and marginalised community and when our rights are discussed in parliament, it makes us extremely happy," Tashi said. The law had never been used, but Finance Minister Namgay Tshering, who submitted the recommendation to repeal sections 213 and 214 of the penal code, said they had become "a stain" on the country's reputation. Namgay Tshering said the sections had become redundant since Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 2008. "There is a high degree of acceptability of the LGBT community in our society," he said. The minister added that he was optimistic that the code sections would be definitively scrapped when the upper house in the country of 750,000 people votes on Monday. Tashi said some ministers had been social workers with contacts in the LGBT community and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is a surgeon. "So we had lot of hopes in this government." There is no annual Gay Pride rally or other public display in Bhutan. And while Tashi said there was a general acceptance of transgenders, especially in rural areas, they still face much discrimination, especially in schools. "There are lots of barriers and our education system does not understand LGBT," Tashi said, adding that most LGBT youths drop out of school. Once the bill is passed by the National Council, the upper chamber, it will be sent for royal assent.

Bhutan's LGBT community celebrates after homosexuality decriminalised

Newly appointed External Affairs Minister of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be visiting Bhutan. Watch this video to know more.

New External Affairs Minister's 1st foreign visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday for his first bilateral trip after assuming charge of the ministry.

The visit reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend, and neighbour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement.

During the visit, Jaishankar is expected to receive an audience with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, call on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering and meet his counterpart Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji.

During the visit, the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the upcoming high-level exchanges, economic development and hydro-power cooperation, the statement said.

"India and Bhutan share a unique and time tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. External Affairs Minister`s visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular visits and exchange of views at the high levels between the two countries," it further said.

On May 30, Tshering and other BIMSTEC leaders had attended the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP achieved a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday for his first bilateral trip after assuming charge of the ministry. The visit reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend, and neighbour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday for his first bilateral trip after assuming charge of the ministry. The visit reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend, and neighbour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement. During the visit, Jaishankar is expected to receive an audience with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, call on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering and meet his counterpart Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji. During the visit, the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the upcoming high-level exchanges, economic development and hydro-power cooperation, the statement said. "India and Bhutan share a unique and time tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. External Affairs Minister`s visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular visits and exchange of views at the high levels between the two countries," it further said. On May 30, Tshering and other BIMSTEC leaders had attended the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP achieved a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

Jaishankar to embark on first bilateral visit to Bhutan today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-writes-to-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-advocates-talks-225139">External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar</a> on Friday met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector.

Jaishankar is in the Buddhist kingdom on a two-day visit, his first overseas trip after assuming charge of the Ministry of External Affairs.

He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings during his talks with Prime Minister Tshering.

"It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership," Jaishankar tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It was a pleasure to call on <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> Dr. Lotay Tshering. 
Conveyed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership. <a href="https://t.co/ZdnUKw7ptR">pic.twitter.com/ZdnUKw7ptR</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1136946538280902656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar had a "constructive conversation with a close partner".

"Constructive conversation with a close partner. EAM @DrSJaishankar called on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering and conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings. High-level exchanges &amp; engagements have further enhanced our bilateral connections," he said in a tweet.

Earlier, Jaishankar held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji and discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower.

"Excellent conversation with my colleague @FMBhutan Dr Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties," he said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Excellent conversation with my colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FMBhutan</a> Dr. Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties. <a href="https://t.co/Q4A9D7sRLc">pic.twitter.com/Q4A9D7sRLc</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1136945692994412544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kumar said that the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower, "giving a new thrust to time-tested friendship".

"EAM @DrSJaishankar held talks with @FMBhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji. The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower," he said in a tweet.

The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi on Thursday said that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and neighbour.

Bhutan has been a close ally of India and bilateral ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years.

Bhutan was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first overseas visit after assuming charge in 2014.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector. Jaishankar is in the Buddhist kingdom on a two-day visit, his first overseas trip after assuming charge of the Ministry of External Affairs. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings during his talks with Prime Minister Tshering. "It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership," Jaishankar tweeted. It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership. pic.twitter.com/ZdnUKw7ptR — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2019 × External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar had a "constructive conversation with a close partner". "Constructive conversation with a close partner. EAM @DrSJaishankar called on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering and conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings. High-level exchanges & engagements have further enhanced our bilateral connections," he said in a tweet. Earlier, Jaishankar held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji and discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower. "Excellent conversation with my colleague @FMBhutan Dr Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties," he said in a tweet. Excellent conversation with my colleague @FMBhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties. pic.twitter.com/Q4A9D7sRLc — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2019 × Kumar said that the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower, "giving a new thrust to time-tested friendship". "EAM @DrSJaishankar held talks with @FMBhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji. The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower," he said in a tweet. The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi on Thursday said that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and neighbour. Bhutan has been a close ally of India and bilateral ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years. Bhutan was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first overseas visit after assuming charge in 2014.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar discusses key elements of ties with Bhutan's top leadership

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Friday.

This will be his first foreign trip after appointed as the minister.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar would meet his Bhutan counterpart Tandi Dorji.

"His visit is in keeping with the tradition that India attaches with bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and a neighbour," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-economic-growth-foreign-policy-needs-to-focus-on-external-aspect-s-jaishankar-224853">Jaishankar addressed his first press conference</a> at a seminar in Delhi.

Watch:&nbsp;Foreign Minster S Jaishankar's first public address

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/foreign-minster-sjaishankars-first-public-address-224849/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Jaishankar emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth.

"Today, if we want to propel economic change, I think there is a greater responsibility for Indian foreign policy to focus on external aspects of it, to create partnerships and mechanisms which help Indian businesses do their business outside the country," he said.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Friday. This will be his first foreign trip after appointed as the minister.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Friday. This will be his first foreign trip after appointed as the minister. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar would meet his Bhutan counterpart Tandi Dorji. "His visit is in keeping with the tradition that India attaches with bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and a neighbour," Kumar said. Earlier today, Jaishankar addressed his first press conference at a seminar in Delhi. Watch: Foreign Minster S Jaishankar's first public address Jaishankar emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth. "Today, if we want to propel economic change, I think there is a greater responsibility for Indian foreign policy to focus on external aspects of it, to create partnerships and mechanisms which help Indian businesses do their business outside the country," he said.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to go on two-day visit to Bhutan

It's Saturday in Bhutan and Lotay Tshering has just completed urinary bladder repair surgery on a patient at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital.

But Tshering is no ordinary doctor. During the week, he also happens to be prime minister in the Himalayan kingdom famous for measuring citizens' Gross National Happiness.

"For me it's a de-stresser," said Tshering, who was elected prime minister of the nation of 750,000 people last year in only its third democratic election since the end of absolute monarchy in 2008.

"Some people play golf, some do archery, and I like to operate. I am just spending my weekends here," the 50-year-old told AFP.

No one at the hospital bats an eyelid as Tshering, wearing a faded lab coat and crocs, walks through the busy corridors. Nurses and hospital attendants continue with their jobs as normal.

A case apart

The Buddhist kingdom is in many ways a case apart, benchmarking itself on happiness instead of economic growth.&nbsp;

One of the pillars of Gross National Happiness is the conservation of the environment. Bhutan is carbon negative and its constitution mandates that 60 per cent of the country remains forested. It is also big on ecotourism and charges a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season.

The capital Thimphu has no traffic lights, the sale of tobacco is banned, and television was only allowed in 1999.&nbsp;

Archery competitions, with liberal amounts of the local firewater, are a national craze. Phalluses painted on houses to ward off evil are also a common sight.

But the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" also has its problems, among them corruption, rural poverty, youth unemployment and criminal gangs.

Tshering, who trained in Bangladesh, Japan, Australia and the United States, began his political career in 2013, but his party failed to make headway in that year's election.

After losing, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck commanded him to lead a team of doctors and travel with the monarch's entourage to far-flung villages to provide free medical treatment.

Now as prime minister, he spends Saturdays treating patients referred to him and Thursday mornings offering medical advice to trainees and doctors. Sunday is family time.

Back in the prime minister's office, a lab coat hangs on the back of his chair.&nbsp;

This, he said, serves as a reminder of his election pledge to focus on healthcare.

Patients don't have to pay directly for healthcare in Bhutan, but Tshering says that much more remains to be done despite important strides in medical treatment.

While the country has seen major improvements in life expectancy, a reduction in infant mortality and the elimination of many infectious diseases, the number of lifestyle diseases -&nbsp;including alcoholism and diabetes -&nbsp;is on the rise.

"We must now slowly put more focus on secondary and tertiary healthcare," Tshering said.

Under the PM's knife

At the hospital, Tshering's patient, a 40-year-old man named Bumthap who underwent a five-hour bladder repair surgery, told AFP he was pleased with the results.

"Now that I have been operated on by the prime minister, who is considered one of the best doctors in the country, I feel more relieved," he said.

Politics, the prime minister said, is a lot like being a doctor.

"At the hospital, I scan and treat patients. In the government, I scan the health of policies and try to make them better," he said.

"I will continue doing this until I die and I miss not being able to be here every day," he added.

And on the days when he drives his car around the capital Thimphu -&nbsp;instead of using his official chauffeur -&nbsp;an-all-too familiar urge takes hold of him.

"Whenever I drive to work on weekdays, I wish I could turn left towards the hospital." 
&nbsp;

It's Saturday in Bhutan and Lotay Tshering has just completed urinary bladder repair surgery on a patient at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital.

It's Saturday in Bhutan and Lotay Tshering has just completed urinary bladder repair surgery on a patient at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital. But Tshering is no ordinary doctor. During the week, he also happens to be prime minister in the Himalayan kingdom famous for measuring citizens' Gross National Happiness. "For me it's a de-stresser," said Tshering, who was elected prime minister of the nation of 750,000 people last year in only its third democratic election since the end of absolute monarchy in 2008. "Some people play golf, some do archery, and I like to operate. I am just spending my weekends here," the 50-year-old told AFP. No one at the hospital bats an eyelid as Tshering, wearing a faded lab coat and crocs, walks through the busy corridors. Nurses and hospital attendants continue with their jobs as normal. A case apart The Buddhist kingdom is in many ways a case apart, benchmarking itself on happiness instead of economic growth. One of the pillars of Gross National Happiness is the conservation of the environment. Bhutan is carbon negative and its constitution mandates that 60 per cent of the country remains forested. It is also big on ecotourism and charges a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season. The capital Thimphu has no traffic lights, the sale of tobacco is banned, and television was only allowed in 1999. Archery competitions, with liberal amounts of the local firewater, are a national craze. Phalluses painted on houses to ward off evil are also a common sight. But the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" also has its problems, among them corruption, rural poverty, youth unemployment and criminal gangs. Tshering, who trained in Bangladesh, Japan, Australia and the United States, began his political career in 2013, but his party failed to make headway in that year's election. After losing, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck commanded him to lead a team of doctors and travel with the monarch's entourage to far-flung villages to provide free medical treatment. Now as prime minister, he spends Saturdays treating patients referred to him and Thursday mornings offering medical advice to trainees and doctors. Sunday is family time. Back in the prime minister's office, a lab coat hangs on the back of his chair. This, he said, serves as a reminder of his election pledge to focus on healthcare. Patients don't have to pay directly for healthcare in Bhutan, but Tshering says that much more remains to be done despite important strides in medical treatment. While the country has seen major improvements in life expectancy, a reduction in infant mortality and the elimination of many infectious diseases, the number of lifestyle diseases - including alcoholism and diabetes - is on the rise. "We must now slowly put more focus on secondary and tertiary healthcare," Tshering said. Under the PM's knife At the hospital, Tshering's patient, a 40-year-old man named Bumthap who underwent a five-hour bladder repair surgery, told AFP he was pleased with the results. "Now that I have been operated on by the prime minister, who is considered one of the best doctors in the country, I feel more relieved," he said. Politics, the prime minister said, is a lot like being a doctor. "At the hospital, I scan and treat patients. In the government, I scan the health of policies and try to make them better," he said. "I will continue doing this until I die and I miss not being able to be here every day," he added. And on the days when he drives his car around the capital Thimphu - instead of using his official chauffeur - an-all-too familiar urge takes hold of him. "Whenever I drive to work on weekdays, I wish I could turn left towards the hospital."

In happy Bhutan, the Prime Minister is a doc on Saturdays

India has announced that it will provide Rs 4500 cr support to Bhutan's 12th five-year plan and both New Delhi and Thimpu have agreed on the Mangdechhu Tariff. The Mangdechhu project in Bhutan is being built with India's help and will be commissioned soon.&nbsp;

This was announced during joint press statements delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering who is on a 3 day maiden India visit after assuming charge in November.

Announcing India's support to Bhutan's five-year plan and outcome on Mangdechhu Tariff, PM Modi said, "In Bhutan's progress, India will be a committed friend. India will contribute Rs 4500 rupees in Bhutan's 12th 5-year plan. We discussed cooperation in Hydropower project. Work on Mangdechhu project will be completed soon. We have agreed on Mangdechhu tariff also."

Bhutan govt will soon launch RuPay cards which PM Modi said this "will benefit the people to people ties between both the countries."

Thanking India for its support to Bhutanese 5 year plans and personal commitment of PM Modi to India Bhutan ties, Bhutan PM explained how "barely 20 hours after (Bhutan Election) results were declared" he "got a call from none other than PM Modi" and "Modi was the only and first head of the govt who personally took the trouble to call and congratulate and expressed how happy he was, how democracy is taking root in Bhutan. It was that day, 24 hours after the election result was out PM wanted me to visit India."

<img alt="Bhutan PM" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51243ee7-a068-42db-a43b-135333ac71c3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202018-12-28%20at%202.19.47%20PM%20%282%29.jpeg" />

(Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering's comments at Rajghat.)

He thanked PM Modi for supporting Bhutanese traders affected by "GST which has come in action in India"

He lauded India's neighbourhood first policy and invited PM Modi to "visit Bhutan as soon as possible" to inaugurate the Mangdechhu which will be "commissioned very soon in the next few months".&nbsp;

India plays an important in Bhutan economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW.

He appreciated what India achieved under PM Modi and said it is because of "Modi Factor" and his country has all the regards for it.

Earlier during the day, he was given a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan where did he said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan".

He later paid respects to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and in the visitors, book wrote "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. Thank PM Modi and people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office"

This was the visit of new Bhutanese PM after taking charge. He took over on 7th of November and is the 8th Prime Minister of Bhutan. After taking charge in 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

&nbsp;This year marks the Golden Jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and has seen a number of events. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was the 1st Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new Prime Minister.

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crore. 82 % of Bhutan's total import which is Rs. 5528.5 crore comes from India while Bhutan's 90% export goes to India and stands at Rs. 3205.2 crore. Most of the Bhutanese export to India is electricity.

India has announced that it will provide Rs 4500 cr support to Bhutan's 12th five-year plan and both New Delhi and Thimpu have agreed on the Mangdechhu Tariff. The Mangdechhu project in Bhutan is being built with India's help and will be commissioned soon.

India has announced that it will provide Rs 4500 cr support to Bhutan's 12th five-year plan and both New Delhi and Thimpu have agreed on the Mangdechhu Tariff. The Mangdechhu project in Bhutan is being built with India's help and will be commissioned soon. This was announced during joint press statements delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering who is on a 3 day maiden India visit after assuming charge in November. Announcing India's support to Bhutan's five-year plan and outcome on Mangdechhu Tariff, PM Modi said, "In Bhutan's progress, India will be a committed friend. India will contribute Rs 4500 rupees in Bhutan's 12th 5-year plan. We discussed cooperation in Hydropower project. Work on Mangdechhu project will be completed soon. We have agreed on Mangdechhu tariff also." Bhutan govt will soon launch RuPay cards which PM Modi said this "will benefit the people to people ties between both the countries." Thanking India for its support to Bhutanese 5 year plans and personal commitment of PM Modi to India Bhutan ties, Bhutan PM explained how "barely 20 hours after (Bhutan Election) results were declared" he "got a call from none other than PM Modi" and "Modi was the only and first head of the govt who personally took the trouble to call and congratulate and expressed how happy he was, how democracy is taking root in Bhutan. It was that day, 24 hours after the election result was out PM wanted me to visit India." (Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering's comments at Rajghat.) He thanked PM Modi for supporting Bhutanese traders affected by "GST which has come in action in India" He lauded India's neighbourhood first policy and invited PM Modi to "visit Bhutan as soon as possible" to inaugurate the Mangdechhu which will be "commissioned very soon in the next few months". India plays an important in Bhutan economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW. He appreciated what India achieved under PM Modi and said it is because of "Modi Factor" and his country has all the regards for it. Earlier during the day, he was given a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan where did he said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan". He later paid respects to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and in the visitors, book wrote "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. Thank PM Modi and people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office" This was the visit of new Bhutanese PM after taking charge. He took over on 7th of November and is the 8th Prime Minister of Bhutan. After taking charge in 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan. This year marks the Golden Jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and has seen a number of events. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was the 1st Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new Prime Minister. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crore. 82 % of Bhutan's total import which is Rs. 5528.5 crore comes from India while Bhutan's 90% export goes to India and stands at Rs. 3205.2 crore. Most of the Bhutanese export to India is electricity.

India, Bhutan agree on Mangdechhu Tariff as India announces Rs 4500 cr for Bhutanese 5-year plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday announced a Rs 4,500 crore financial assistance to Bhutan for its 12th five-year plan after holding <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhutanese-prime-minister-lotay-tshering-arrives-in-india-on-3-day-visit-186941">wide-ranging talks with his Bhutanese counterpart</a> Lotay Tshering.

In his media statement, Modi said hydropower cooperation with Bhutan is a key aspect of bilateral ties and that work on the Mangdechhu project will soon be completed.

Tshering arrived in Delhi on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.&nbsp;

Modi said he has assured the Bhutanese prime minister that India, as a trusted friend, will continue to play an important role in Bhutan's development.&nbsp;

India will contribute Rs 4,500 crore in Bhutan's 12th five-year plan, Modi said.

Tshering on his part noted that Prime Minister Modi was the first head of state to to congratulate him on his electoral victory. He also thanked India for its continued support to his country's developmental needs.

The new five-year plan of Bhutan began this year and will continue till 2022.

Earlier in the day, Tshering was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the Bhutanese premier this morning.

Swaraj congratulated Tshering on the assumption of the high office of Bhutan's prime minister and the two leaders had a "warm exchange of views" on important aspects of the bilateral relationship, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Tshering also laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's 'samadhi' at Rajghat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday announced a Rs 4,500 crore financial assistance to Bhutan for its 12th five-year plan after holding wide-ranging talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday announced a Rs 4,500 crore financial assistance to Bhutan for its 12th five-year plan after holding wide-ranging talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering. In his media statement, Modi said hydropower cooperation with Bhutan is a key aspect of bilateral ties and that work on the Mangdechhu project will soon be completed. Tshering arrived in Delhi on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections. Modi said he has assured the Bhutanese prime minister that India, as a trusted friend, will continue to play an important role in Bhutan's development. India will contribute Rs 4,500 crore in Bhutan's 12th five-year plan, Modi said. Tshering on his part noted that Prime Minister Modi was the first head of state to to congratulate him on his electoral victory. He also thanked India for its continued support to his country's developmental needs. The new five-year plan of Bhutan began this year and will continue till 2022. Earlier in the day, Tshering was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the Bhutanese premier this morning. Swaraj congratulated Tshering on the assumption of the high office of Bhutan's prime minister and the two leaders had a "warm exchange of views" on important aspects of the bilateral relationship, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Tshering also laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's 'samadhi' at Rajghat.

India announces Rs 4,500 crore assistance to Bhutan

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is on a 3-day trip to India. It is Tshering's maiden foreign visit after assuming office last month. Tshering, earlier in the day, said, "India and Bhutan are very close because we have opened our heart for each other".&nbsp;

Bhutanese PM's remarks came while speaking to media after his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi today. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Today is the main day of his engagements with the Indian leadership.

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This is what Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering wrote at Rajghat: Could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office. <a href="https://t.co/0f9jiJihxJ">pic.twitter.com/0f9jiJihxJ</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1078525663844409344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bhutan PM said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan."&nbsp;He also thanked PM Modi for extending an invitation to visit India.

During the visit, PM Tshering will be discussing Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan. He will also talk about hydropower cooperation, particularly the Mangdechhu project which is built with India's help.

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India and Bhutan are very close because we have open our heart for each other says new Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering. Adds, grateful PM Modi chose Bhutan as his first foreign visit in 2014. <a href="https://t.co/L9mepCoSMO">pic.twitter.com/L9mepCoSMO</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1078513842550906880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Tshering visited Rajghat. In the visitor's book, he wrote, "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. I thank PM Modi and the people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office."

Tshering took over as Bhutan's 8th prime minister on November 7. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, PM Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him over his electoral success.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ceremonial reception to Bhutanese prime minister." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7eb56ed4-af2b-4682-92b0-86e0e2745e97" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MEA%202.JPG" />

<img alt="Ceremonial reception to Bhutanese prime minister." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="847b0659-e91c-4c4c-866c-8849bd080a9d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MEA1.JPG" />

Prime Minister Modi conveyed that India attaches "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding."

This year marks the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the Bhutanese PM.

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Time-tested relationship 
 
Dr Lotay Tshering <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> received warmly by MoS Finance <a href="https://twitter.com/BJPShivPShukla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJPShivPShukla</a> on arrival in Delhi for a 3-day State Visit at the invitation of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaBhutan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaBhutan</a> celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year <a href="https://t.co/zFifjNLYZE">pic.twitter.com/zFifjNLYZE</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1078186318222450688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crores. 82 per cent of Bhutan's total import, which comes to Rs 5528.5 crores, comes from India while 90 per cent of Bhutan's export goes to India and stands at Rs 3205.2 crores. Most of Bhutan's export to India is electricity.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is on a 3-day trip to India. It is Tshering's maiden foreign visit after assuming office last month. Tshering, earlier in the day, said, "India and Bhutan are very close because we have opened our heart for each other".

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is on a 3-day trip to India. It is Tshering's maiden foreign visit after assuming office last month. Tshering, earlier in the day, said, "India and Bhutan are very close because we have opened our heart for each other". Bhutanese PM's remarks came while speaking to media after his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi today. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today is the main day of his engagements with the Indian leadership. This is what Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering wrote at Rajghat: Could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office. pic.twitter.com/0f9jiJihxJ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 28, 2018 × Bhutan PM said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan." He also thanked PM Modi for extending an invitation to visit India. During the visit, PM Tshering will be discussing Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan. He will also talk about hydropower cooperation, particularly the Mangdechhu project which is built with India's help. India and Bhutan are very close because we have open our heart for each other says new Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering. Adds, grateful PM Modi chose Bhutan as his first foreign visit in 2014. pic.twitter.com/L9mepCoSMO — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 28, 2018 × PM Tshering visited Rajghat. In the visitor's book, he wrote, "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. I thank PM Modi and the people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office." Tshering took over as Bhutan's 8th prime minister on November 7. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, PM Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him over his electoral success. Prime Minister Modi conveyed that India attaches "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding." This year marks the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the Bhutanese PM. Time-tested relationship Dr Lotay Tshering @PMBhutan received warmly by MoS Finance @BJPShivPShukla on arrival in Delhi for a 3-day State Visit at the invitation of PM @narendramodi. #IndiaBhutan celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year pic.twitter.com/zFifjNLYZE — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 27, 2018 × India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crores. 82 per cent of Bhutan's total import, which comes to Rs 5528.5 crores, comes from India while 90 per cent of Bhutan's export goes to India and stands at Rs 3205.2 crores. Most of Bhutan's export to India is electricity.

Couldn't have hoped for better country on my first foreign visit: Bhutanese PM in India

Bhutan Prime minister 3-Day Indian visit

The New prime minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, will be visiting India on December 27th. This will be his first foreign visit after taking charge.&nbsp;

Tshering recently took&nbsp;over as the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, Prime Minister Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him on his victory in the elections.&nbsp;

PM Modi during his call had conveyed that India attaches the "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding."

Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new prime minister. During the meet, Bhutanese PM had said that he was committed to "strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries."&nbsp;

Tshering also assured India that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government”.

The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's 5-year plans.

This year marks the golden jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan, as a result, several events have been organized. "Bhutan Week" was celebrated in New Delhi in September with India's vice president Venkaiah Naidu the chief guest at the event.&nbsp;

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs 8,723 crore with total imports being Rs 5528.5 crore (82 per cent of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.20 crore including electricity (90 per cent of Bhutan’s total exports). India soon plans to commission 720 MWs Mangdechhu hydro-power project.

In 2017, a crisis erupted at Doklam in Bhutan, which is a trijunction area of Bhutan, India and China, when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to an almost two-month long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the region.&nbsp;

Later during the official visit of the Bhutanese King and Queen to India in 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind had “conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”.

India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP).

In April 2014, an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for development of four more HEP’s of capacity 2120 MW (600 MW Kholongchhu, 180 MW Bunakha, 570 MW Wangchhu and 770 MW Chamkharchhu) under the Joint Venture Model.&nbsp;

After taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

The New prime minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, will be visiting India on December 27th. This will be his first foreign visit after taking charge. Tshering recently took over as the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

The New prime minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, will be visiting India on December 27th. This will be his first foreign visit after taking charge. Tshering recently took over as the eighth prime minister of Bhutan. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, Prime Minister Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him on his victory in the elections. PM Modi during his call had conveyed that India attaches the "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding." Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new prime minister. During the meet, Bhutanese PM had said that he was committed to "strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries." Tshering also assured India that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government”. The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's 5-year plans. This year marks the golden jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan, as a result, several events have been organized. "Bhutan Week" was celebrated in New Delhi in September with India's vice president Venkaiah Naidu the chief guest at the event. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs 8,723 crore with total imports being Rs 5528.5 crore (82 per cent of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.20 crore including electricity (90 per cent of Bhutan’s total exports). India soon plans to commission 720 MWs Mangdechhu hydro-power project. In 2017, a crisis erupted at Doklam in Bhutan, which is a trijunction area of Bhutan, India and China, when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to an almost two-month long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the region. Later during the official visit of the Bhutanese King and Queen to India in 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind had “conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”. India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP). In April 2014, an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for development of four more HEP’s of capacity 2120 MW (600 MW Kholongchhu, 180 MW Bunakha, 570 MW Wangchhu and 770 MW Chamkharchhu) under the Joint Venture Model. After taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

New Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering to visit India on Thursday

In the first-ever Interaction between Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and New Delhi, Tshering has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the telephonic call to felicitate him on election victory and said that he is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries.&nbsp;

India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was on a visit to Bhutan from 18th to November 20. This was the first ever high-level govt visit from India to Bhutan ever since the new govt took charge.&nbsp;

The Bhutanese PM told FS Gokhale that, “Our foreign policy should not change every five years with a change in government".

According to Ministry of the external affairs press release, the Foreign Secretary conveyed that "India attaches the highest priority to further expanding its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, based on the priorities of the Royal Government of Bhutan." The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, economic and development co-operation, hydro-power co-operation and people to people ties. &nbsp;

Lotay Tshering became the new PM of Bhutan on 7th November. This year both the countries are marking the Golden Jubilee year of establishing diplomatic ties and several commemorative activities are being jointly organized.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary also called on foreign Minister Lyonpo Dr Tandi Dorji and met Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Ambassador Sonam Tshong. He had an audience with the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck His Majesty Jigme &amp; &nbsp;the Fourth King of Bhutan Singye Wangchuck.

Bhutan's Doklam area was the centre of a tiff between China and India in 2017 after Chinese forces sought to occupy the area by building a road. During the standoff, Bhutan had conveyed to the Chinese side that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between both the neighbours.

Though both New Delhi and Bejing finally managed to cool of the tensions, it is a precarious peace.

In the first-ever Interaction between Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and New Delhi, Tshering has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the telephonic call to felicitate him on election victory and said that he is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries.

In the first-ever Interaction between Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and New Delhi, Tshering has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the telephonic call to felicitate him on election victory and said that he is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries. India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was on a visit to Bhutan from 18th to November 20. This was the first ever high-level govt visit from India to Bhutan ever since the new govt took charge. The Bhutanese PM told FS Gokhale that, “Our foreign policy should not change every five years with a change in government". According to Ministry of the external affairs press release, the Foreign Secretary conveyed that "India attaches the highest priority to further expanding its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, based on the priorities of the Royal Government of Bhutan." The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, economic and development co-operation, hydro-power co-operation and people to people ties. Lotay Tshering became the new PM of Bhutan on 7th November. This year both the countries are marking the Golden Jubilee year of establishing diplomatic ties and several commemorative activities are being jointly organized. Foreign Secretary also called on foreign Minister Lyonpo Dr Tandi Dorji and met Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Ambassador Sonam Tshong. He had an audience with the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck His Majesty Jigme & the Fourth King of Bhutan Singye Wangchuck. Bhutan's Doklam area was the centre of a tiff between China and India in 2017 after Chinese forces sought to occupy the area by building a road. During the standoff, Bhutan had conveyed to the Chinese side that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between both the neighbours. Though both New Delhi and Bejing finally managed to cool of the tensions, it is a precarious peace.

Our foreign policy should not change every five years with change in government: Bhutan PM to India

Conjoined Bhutanese sisters were separated in a six-hour operation at an Australian hospital on Friday and the lead surgeon said he was quietly confident the infants would recover successfully.

The 15-month-old twins, Nima and Dawa, were joined from the chest to the pelvis. Doctors at the Royal Children`s` Hospital Melbourne (RCHM) said they had to separate the girls` livers, and the main challenge was reconstructing their abdomens.

"It is a relief and it is also a joy, there`s nothing better in any operation to be able to go to the parents and say we have been able to take care of your child," Dr. Joe Crameri, who led the 18-strong surgical team and is the head of paediatric surgery at the hospital, told a media conference.

"There will be challenges over the next 24 to 48 hours as with any surgery, and we feel quietly confident that we will have a good result," said Crameri.

The girls and their mother, Bhumchu Zangmo, were brought to Australia last month by the Children`s First Foundation charity, which said the Victorian state government had covered the cost of the surgery while it looked after transport and accommodation.

When they arrived, the medical team said the girls needed to improve their weight and health before surgery. The girls are expected to remain in hospital for at least a week, Crameri said.

In 2009, doctors at RCHM successfully separated conjoined Bangladeshi twins, Trishna and Krishna in a 25-hour surgery.

Conjoined Bhutanese sisters were separated in a six-hour operation at an Australian hospital on Friday and the lead surgeon said he was quietly confident the infants would recover successfully.

Conjoined Bhutanese sisters were separated in a six-hour operation at an Australian hospital on Friday and the lead surgeon said he was quietly confident the infants would recover successfully. The 15-month-old twins, Nima and Dawa, were joined from the chest to the pelvis. Doctors at the Royal Children`s` Hospital Melbourne (RCHM) said they had to separate the girls` livers, and the main challenge was reconstructing their abdomens. "It is a relief and it is also a joy, there`s nothing better in any operation to be able to go to the parents and say we have been able to take care of your child," Dr. Joe Crameri, who led the 18-strong surgical team and is the head of paediatric surgery at the hospital, told a media conference. "There will be challenges over the next 24 to 48 hours as with any surgery, and we feel quietly confident that we will have a good result," said Crameri. The girls and their mother, Bhumchu Zangmo, were brought to Australia last month by the Children`s First Foundation charity, which said the Victorian state government had covered the cost of the surgery while it looked after transport and accommodation. When they arrived, the medical team said the girls needed to improve their weight and health before surgery. The girls are expected to remain in hospital for at least a week, Crameri said. In 2009, doctors at RCHM successfully separated conjoined Bangladeshi twins, Trishna and Krishna in a 25-hour surgery.

Bhutanese conjoined twins separated at Australian hospital

The Himalayan nation of Bhutan, often described as a "Shangri-La" where happiness is equated to wealth, is holding elections this week. But the Lhotshampa people, brutally driven out of the small kingdom in the 1990s, won't be voting.

The Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa were branded as immigrants and stripped of citizenship rights when the then-king introduced a "One Nation, One People" policy in 1985.

The edict made following the customs of the Buddhist majority mandatory, including wearing their traditional dress, and speaking Nepali was banned.

Those who resisted were labelled "anti-nationals", arrested and subjected to brutal treatment including rape and torture, according to Amnesty International.&nbsp;

The security forces made detainees sign declarations saying they would leave Bhutan voluntarily as a condition of their release.&nbsp;

Some 100,000 -- one sixth of Bhutan's population -- fled, ending up in refugee camps in eastern Nepal.

One man who left Bhutan is Bhumpa Rai, who was serving as a royal doctor when the king's edict was promulgated.

"They humiliated us... they said that we are not Bhutanese and chased me and my people from the country," Rai told AFP.

The king offered him protection from the Draconian rules, introduced under the pretext of promoting "national harmony".

But the doctor decided to join his fellow Lhotshampa and left Bhutan, becoming a refugee in Nepal.

"They treated people of Nepali origin like enemies. I cannot respect them any more, though I admit that I used to clean their wounds. I was their doctor," the 68-year-old said.

Rai is one of just 7,000 people who remain in the camps in Nepal. The majority have been resettled by the United Nations in third countries including the United States, Australia and Norway.

But the UN programme ended in late 2016 with those remaining refusing resettlement because they say it absolves the Bhutanese authorities of what they did to the Lhotshampa.&nbsp;

'Not happy'

Switzerland-sized Bhutan -- sandwiched between regional giants China and India -- has long resisted outside influences, with televisions only allowed in 1999.

Its fight against Westernisation is often seen as a source of its mystic draw, along with its pursuit of "gross national happiness" -- made official policy in 1998 -- over economic gains.

It only swapped absolute monarchy for constitutional monarchy in 2008 and the current elections, due to wrap up on Thursday, are the country's third.

Bhutan still describes the Lhotshampa as immigrants, justifying its nationalistic laws as essential for cultural identity and political stability, according to Freedom House, a think tank.

The refugees in Nepal do not expect the elections to bring any change.

"The election results in Bhutan will reflect what the monarchy wants. Its decision won't come in our favour," said 80-year-old Durga Prasad Sharma -- an outspoken pronouncement that would be unheard of inside Bhutan where self-censorship is rife and the monarchy still revered. &nbsp;

Sharma fled Bhutan in 1994 with a bounty on his head after he joined a political party demanding rights for the Lhotshampa.

Such political parties are now banned under the constitution, which states that all parties have to promote national unity and are barred from using ethnicity or religion to attract voters. Parties also have to field candidates in all 47 constituencies.

The rules have created a monolithic political environment leaving little room for minority rights, effectively disenfranchising the Lhotshampa who remain in Bhutan from the electoral process.&nbsp;

It is unclear how many of the community are still in Bhutan: a 2017 census did not include questions about ethnicity, language or religion, which would have given an indication of how many people identify as part of Nepali-speaking, mostly Hindu minority.

The government has prevented human rights groups established by Nepali-speakers from operating, categorising them as political organisations that do not promote national unity, according to the US State Department.

In the lead up to the 2008 and 2013 polls there were reports of small protests by Nepali-speakers unable to vote, and during the 2013 elections international monitors also documented Nepali-speakers being turned away from polling centres.

"We are also Bhutanese and we are not happy," said 54-year-old Rajman Gurung. "Lhotshampas in Bhutan are unhappy. We will be happy only if we are repatriated to our country and given equal status." &nbsp;

The Himalayan nation of Bhutan, often described as a "Shangri-La" where happiness is equated to wealth, is holding elections this week. But the Lhotshampa people, brutally driven out of the small kingdom in the 1990s, won't be voting.

The Himalayan nation of Bhutan, often described as a "Shangri-La" where happiness is equated to wealth, is holding elections this week. But the Lhotshampa people, brutally driven out of the small kingdom in the 1990s, won't be voting. The Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa were branded as immigrants and stripped of citizenship rights when the then-king introduced a "One Nation, One People" policy in 1985. The edict made following the customs of the Buddhist majority mandatory, including wearing their traditional dress, and speaking Nepali was banned. Those who resisted were labelled "anti-nationals", arrested and subjected to brutal treatment including rape and torture, according to Amnesty International. The security forces made detainees sign declarations saying they would leave Bhutan voluntarily as a condition of their release. Some 100,000 -- one sixth of Bhutan's population -- fled, ending up in refugee camps in eastern Nepal. One man who left Bhutan is Bhumpa Rai, who was serving as a royal doctor when the king's edict was promulgated. "They humiliated us... they said that we are not Bhutanese and chased me and my people from the country," Rai told AFP. The king offered him protection from the Draconian rules, introduced under the pretext of promoting "national harmony". But the doctor decided to join his fellow Lhotshampa and left Bhutan, becoming a refugee in Nepal. "They treated people of Nepali origin like enemies. I cannot respect them any more, though I admit that I used to clean their wounds. I was their doctor," the 68-year-old said. Rai is one of just 7,000 people who remain in the camps in Nepal. The majority have been resettled by the United Nations in third countries including the United States, Australia and Norway. But the UN programme ended in late 2016 with those remaining refusing resettlement because they say it absolves the Bhutanese authorities of what they did to the Lhotshampa. 'Not happy' Switzerland-sized Bhutan -- sandwiched between regional giants China and India -- has long resisted outside influences, with televisions only allowed in 1999. Its fight against Westernisation is often seen as a source of its mystic draw, along with its pursuit of "gross national happiness" -- made official policy in 1998 -- over economic gains. It only swapped absolute monarchy for constitutional monarchy in 2008 and the current elections, due to wrap up on Thursday, are the country's third. Bhutan still describes the Lhotshampa as immigrants, justifying its nationalistic laws as essential for cultural identity and political stability, according to Freedom House, a think tank. The refugees in Nepal do not expect the elections to bring any change. "The election results in Bhutan will reflect what the monarchy wants. Its decision won't come in our favour," said 80-year-old Durga Prasad Sharma -- an outspoken pronouncement that would be unheard of inside Bhutan where self-censorship is rife and the monarchy still revered. Sharma fled Bhutan in 1994 with a bounty on his head after he joined a political party demanding rights for the Lhotshampa. Such political parties are now banned under the constitution, which states that all parties have to promote national unity and are barred from using ethnicity or religion to attract voters. Parties also have to field candidates in all 47 constituencies. The rules have created a monolithic political environment leaving little room for minority rights, effectively disenfranchising the Lhotshampa who remain in Bhutan from the electoral process. It is unclear how many of the community are still in Bhutan: a 2017 census did not include questions about ethnicity, language or religion, which would have given an indication of how many people identify as part of Nepali-speaking, mostly Hindu minority. The government has prevented human rights groups established by Nepali-speakers from operating, categorising them as political organisations that do not promote national unity, according to the US State Department. In the lead up to the 2008 and 2013 polls there were reports of small protests by Nepali-speakers unable to vote, and during the 2013 elections international monitors also documented Nepali-speakers being turned away from polling centres. "We are also Bhutanese and we are not happy," said 54-year-old Rajman Gurung. "Lhotshampas in Bhutan are unhappy. We will be happy only if we are repatriated to our country and given equal status."

Bhutan's not-so-happy evicted minority, the Lhotshampa

The gentle whirring of the wind turbine speaks volumes of Bhutan's record as the world's only carbon negative country, but major challenges stand in the way of the Himalayan kingdom's decision to follow a green path over rampant economic expansion.

The mountainous state, holding only its third election on October 18, absorbs three times more CO2 than it emits, thanks mainly to the lush forests covering 72 per cent of its land.

Famed as the "last Shangri-La" for using happiness as a measure of success, Switzerland-sized Bhutan has been careful to keep its environment pristine, often by sacrificing profits.

The nation of 800,000 has restricted tourist numbers with a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season, helping keep at bay the kind of boom that has ravaged other scenic hotspots.

In May, Bhutan opted out of an India-backed regional road connectivity project mainly over concerns that trucks coming in from other countries will pollute its air.

The constitution stipulates that at least 60 per cent of Bhutan must be covered in forest, putting a brake on farming and a potentially lucrative timber industry.

"There was a great temptation to dig into our forest wealth but we thought of the longer term," said Dasho Paljor Dorji from Bhutan's National Environment Commission.

Five-year plan

Under its 11th five-year-plan, Bhutan aims to reduce "substantially" its fossil fuel imports by 2020. It has just 100 electric cars so far but wants to increase numbers and plans to introduce a nationwide network of charging stations. In 2016 it installed its first wind turbines.&nbsp;

A walk through spick and span Thimpu -- Asia's only capital city with no traffic lights -- gives a glimpse of Bhutan's green commitment.

A rare sight in South Asia, heavy road-cleaning vehicles sweep the streets in slow circular motions, while trucks collect organic waste from households.

Just two hours away in Punakha district earthmovers and bulldozers are chugging away at a hydropower project.

It is one of the 10 the country aims to build as part of its plan to remain carbon neutral.

All existing and future hydropower projects are financed by its friend and biggest partner India.

Hydropower was also Bhutan's largest export in 2016, accounting for 32.4 per cent of the country's total exports and eight per cent of its GDP, according to the Asian Development Bank.

All of the energy currently goes to India but there are plans to export also to Bangladesh.

But concerns have been growing over the impact of dams on biodiversity especially as Bhutan shifts from low-impact "run-of-the-river" dams, which do not require large reservoirs, to larger-scale barriers that do.

Heavy price

And being able to afford staying on a green path depends on Bhutan receiving outside funding, something in doubt since President Donald Trump announced last year that the US would withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord.

Under that accord, wealthy nations agreed to establish an annual $100-billion fund to help developing nations adapt to a heating planet.

Bhutan is keenly feeling the ravages of climate change, from melting glaciers, changing crop patterns to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Temperatures have started touching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), alarming locals unused to heat and humidity.

"Even the snowfall pattern has changed. Earlier it would snow for a few days, now it doesn't even last a day," Tenzin Wangmo, Bhutan's chief environment officer, told AFP.

Wangmo said the warmer climes meant paddy fields dot places like Bumthang that never grew rice in the past.&nbsp;

"Climate change is not in our control. We haven't done anything but we are paying a heavy price," she said.

Furthermore, new drainage systems required to prevent flooding downstream require the deployment of workers in remote areas high in the mountains, Wangmo explained.

"A lot of money and manpower is needed for such measures. But where is the funding and capacity-building?"

A Green Climate Fund (GCF) delegation that visited Bhutan in August said it would help the country's progress on a low-emission and climate-resilient path.

"I think Bhutan's contribution to the global community through keeping its carbon sinks intact, its nature as pristine as possible is a great one," said Dorji.

"Our cause is worth supporting. We should be rewarded equally, if not more."

The gentle whirring of the wind turbine speaks volumes of Bhutan's record as the world's only carbon negative country, but major challenges stand in the way of the Himalayan kingdom's decision to follow a green path over rampant economic expansion.

The gentle whirring of the wind turbine speaks volumes of Bhutan's record as the world's only carbon negative country, but major challenges stand in the way of the Himalayan kingdom's decision to follow a green path over rampant economic expansion. The mountainous state, holding only its third election on October 18, absorbs three times more CO2 than it emits, thanks mainly to the lush forests covering 72 per cent of its land. Famed as the "last Shangri-La" for using happiness as a measure of success, Switzerland-sized Bhutan has been careful to keep its environment pristine, often by sacrificing profits. The nation of 800,000 has restricted tourist numbers with a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season, helping keep at bay the kind of boom that has ravaged other scenic hotspots. In May, Bhutan opted out of an India-backed regional road connectivity project mainly over concerns that trucks coming in from other countries will pollute its air. The constitution stipulates that at least 60 per cent of Bhutan must be covered in forest, putting a brake on farming and a potentially lucrative timber industry. "There was a great temptation to dig into our forest wealth but we thought of the longer term," said Dasho Paljor Dorji from Bhutan's National Environment Commission. Five-year plan Under its 11th five-year-plan, Bhutan aims to reduce "substantially" its fossil fuel imports by 2020. It has just 100 electric cars so far but wants to increase numbers and plans to introduce a nationwide network of charging stations. In 2016 it installed its first wind turbines. A walk through spick and span Thimpu -- Asia's only capital city with no traffic lights -- gives a glimpse of Bhutan's green commitment. A rare sight in South Asia, heavy road-cleaning vehicles sweep the streets in slow circular motions, while trucks collect organic waste from households. Just two hours away in Punakha district earthmovers and bulldozers are chugging away at a hydropower project. It is one of the 10 the country aims to build as part of its plan to remain carbon neutral. All existing and future hydropower projects are financed by its friend and biggest partner India. Hydropower was also Bhutan's largest export in 2016, accounting for 32.4 per cent of the country's total exports and eight per cent of its GDP, according to the Asian Development Bank. All of the energy currently goes to India but there are plans to export also to Bangladesh. But concerns have been growing over the impact of dams on biodiversity especially as Bhutan shifts from low-impact "run-of-the-river" dams, which do not require large reservoirs, to larger-scale barriers that do. Heavy price And being able to afford staying on a green path depends on Bhutan receiving outside funding, something in doubt since President Donald Trump announced last year that the US would withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord. Under that accord, wealthy nations agreed to establish an annual $100-billion fund to help developing nations adapt to a heating planet. Bhutan is keenly feeling the ravages of climate change, from melting glaciers, changing crop patterns to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Temperatures have started touching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), alarming locals unused to heat and humidity. "Even the snowfall pattern has changed. Earlier it would snow for a few days, now it doesn't even last a day," Tenzin Wangmo, Bhutan's chief environment officer, told AFP. Wangmo said the warmer climes meant paddy fields dot places like Bumthang that never grew rice in the past. "Climate change is not in our control. We haven't done anything but we are paying a heavy price," she said. Furthermore, new drainage systems required to prevent flooding downstream require the deployment of workers in remote areas high in the mountains, Wangmo explained. "A lot of money and manpower is needed for such measures. But where is the funding and capacity-building?" A Green Climate Fund (GCF) delegation that visited Bhutan in August said it would help the country's progress on a low-emission and climate-resilient path. "I think Bhutan's contribution to the global community through keeping its carbon sinks intact, its nature as pristine as possible is a great one," said Dorji. "Our cause is worth supporting. We should be rewarded equally, if not more."

'Carbon sink' Bhutan counts cost of plans for green future

Every weekend Bhutanese Pema Dorji channels his inner Robin Hood and aims for the bull's-eye, but not without generous sips of the local brew and a leg-kicking dance and song routine.

The likes of Dorji make up the vibrant archery scene in the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan where the traditional sport is a way of life for its 800,000 people.

Competitions are held across the country on various auspicious days each month before culminating in national championships attended by hundreds of raucous fans. &nbsp;

"Alcohol and archery go hand in hand," said Tashi Dorji, the research and development officer with the Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA).

"We drink to gain confidence. We have a belief that if we drink we can hit the target better," the 25-year-old said, barely hiding a sheepish grin.

The game they play pits two teams of 11 players each who try to hit the maximum number of bull's-eyes on a fixed target a full 140 metres (yards) away.&nbsp;

A war cry rings out each time the target is hit. Players in traditional "gho" dresses dance and sing folk numbers -- different ones for winning and losing.

The crucial drink breaks see archers gulp down locally brewed whisky before locking horns again on the field where colourful flags flutter in the breeze.

Poison arrows

The beloved national sport is steeped in legends about how bows and arrows were used to hunt prey and destroy demons and evil spirits.

Stories also abound about how the Bhutanese fought the rifle-armed soldiers of the British army in the 19th century using arrows dipped in poison.

Archery was popularised by the first king of Bhutan Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk (1862-1926) and it continued to flourish under royal patronage through the years.

But it suffered a decline after the reclusive nation decided to pursue economic development and open its doors to modernisation, eventually allowing in television in 1999.

"TV made modern sports available, sports like football and volleyball which are cheaper to play. Suddenly there was competition for our traditional sports," said Kinzang Dorji, president of the BIGSA.

"Children had a wider choice unlike the generations before them," he told AFP.

In addition, the advent of more advanced compound and recurve archery has meant Bhutanese archers used to traditional equipment made of bamboo reeds have struggled to find their feet in international competitions.

Bhutan has sent archers to every Olympics since 1984 but a medal has eluded the nation.

Rivalry and revelry

Some say the Bhutanese, who will vote in only the country's third elections later this month, lack the fiercely competitive streak needed to do well in the sport.

The likes of Ygyen Dorji beg to differ though.

"The rivalry is quite intense. Opponents often plant women in the stands to distract the rivals," said Ygyen Dorji, a mental health counsellor and archery enthusiast. &nbsp;

"The ladies mimic you, try to pull you down and one has to concentrate hard as pride and honour are at stake."

Fellow participant Karma Tshering said Bhutanese archers were not aspiring to global acclaim.

"Anybody can shoot with the sophisticated modern bows with the help of release aids and all," said Tshering.&nbsp;

"It's the traditional archery which is more challenging, you have to focus on both your body and mind," he said, adjusting the sashes on his waist which he won for scoring maximum points during a game at Thimpu's national sports stadium.

The Bhutan Archery Federation recently started a programme to train and encourage children to take up the sport.

In a shot in the arm for traditional archery, two Bhutanese athletes won gold medals at the historical World Archery championship held in August in Hungary.

"It was a great experience to compete with some 300 archers from all over the world," said gold-medallist Damcho Wangdi.

"It showed traditional archery can be revived as many countries in Europe and Asia have some history of playing with bows and arrows.

"And with our rich archery history and culture Bhutan can lead the way."

Every weekend Bhutanese Pema Dorji channels his inner Robin Hood and aims for the bull's-eye, but not without generous sips of the local brew and a leg-kicking dance and song routine.

Every weekend Bhutanese Pema Dorji channels his inner Robin Hood and aims for the bull's-eye, but not without generous sips of the local brew and a leg-kicking dance and song routine. The likes of Dorji make up the vibrant archery scene in the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan where the traditional sport is a way of life for its 800,000 people. Competitions are held across the country on various auspicious days each month before culminating in national championships attended by hundreds of raucous fans. "Alcohol and archery go hand in hand," said Tashi Dorji, the research and development officer with the Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA). "We drink to gain confidence. We have a belief that if we drink we can hit the target better," the 25-year-old said, barely hiding a sheepish grin. The game they play pits two teams of 11 players each who try to hit the maximum number of bull's-eyes on a fixed target a full 140 metres (yards) away. A war cry rings out each time the target is hit. Players in traditional "gho" dresses dance and sing folk numbers -- different ones for winning and losing. The crucial drink breaks see archers gulp down locally brewed whisky before locking horns again on the field where colourful flags flutter in the breeze. Poison arrows The beloved national sport is steeped in legends about how bows and arrows were used to hunt prey and destroy demons and evil spirits. Stories also abound about how the Bhutanese fought the rifle-armed soldiers of the British army in the 19th century using arrows dipped in poison. Archery was popularised by the first king of Bhutan Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk (1862-1926) and it continued to flourish under royal patronage through the years. But it suffered a decline after the reclusive nation decided to pursue economic development and open its doors to modernisation, eventually allowing in television in 1999. "TV made modern sports available, sports like football and volleyball which are cheaper to play. Suddenly there was competition for our traditional sports," said Kinzang Dorji, president of the BIGSA. "Children had a wider choice unlike the generations before them," he told AFP. In addition, the advent of more advanced compound and recurve archery has meant Bhutanese archers used to traditional equipment made of bamboo reeds have struggled to find their feet in international competitions. Bhutan has sent archers to every Olympics since 1984 but a medal has eluded the nation. Rivalry and revelry Some say the Bhutanese, who will vote in only the country's third elections later this month, lack the fiercely competitive streak needed to do well in the sport. The likes of Ygyen Dorji beg to differ though. "The rivalry is quite intense. Opponents often plant women in the stands to distract the rivals," said Ygyen Dorji, a mental health counsellor and archery enthusiast. "The ladies mimic you, try to pull you down and one has to concentrate hard as pride and honour are at stake." Fellow participant Karma Tshering said Bhutanese archers were not aspiring to global acclaim. "Anybody can shoot with the sophisticated modern bows with the help of release aids and all," said Tshering. "It's the traditional archery which is more challenging, you have to focus on both your body and mind," he said, adjusting the sashes on his waist which he won for scoring maximum points during a game at Thimpu's national sports stadium. The Bhutan Archery Federation recently started a programme to train and encourage children to take up the sport. In a shot in the arm for traditional archery, two Bhutanese athletes won gold medals at the historical World Archery championship held in August in Hungary. "It was a great experience to compete with some 300 archers from all over the world," said gold-medallist Damcho Wangdi. "It showed traditional archery can be revived as many countries in Europe and Asia have some history of playing with bows and arrows. "And with our rich archery history and culture Bhutan can lead the way."

Living by the bow and arrow in Bhutan

Nepal&nbsp;has come up with two dates for the fourth summit of the&nbsp;Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation&nbsp;(Bimstec).

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul prasad Baskotasaid said, August 30 and 31 or September 6 and 7 have been proposed for the Kathmandu summit, Kathmandu Post reported.

The newly appointed&nbsp;Bimstec&nbsp;General Secretary&nbsp;Shahidul Islam&nbsp;recently visited&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to hold meetings with&nbsp;Nepali&nbsp;Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi.

Bimstec&nbsp;is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia including&nbsp;Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It houses 1.5 billion people.

It was founded in 1997 and has its permanent secretariat in&nbsp;Dhaka. It functions in 14 different areas of cooperation.

It was founded in 1997 and has its permanent secretariat in Dhaka. It functions in 14 different areas of cooperation

Nepal has come up with two dates for the fourth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec). The Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul prasad Baskotasaid said, August 30 and 31 or September 6 and 7 have been proposed for the Kathmandu summit, Kathmandu Post reported. The newly appointed Bimstec General Secretary Shahidul Islam recently visited Nepal to hold meetings with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi. Bimstec is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It houses 1.5 billion people. It was founded in 1997 and has its permanent secretariat in Dhaka. It functions in 14 different areas of cooperation.

Nepal proposes dates for Bimstec Summit

China is discussing with&nbsp;India&nbsp;a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;by&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;border&nbsp;forces&nbsp;to build trust on their disputed frontier, China's defence ministry said on Thursday, as the neighbours seek to reset&nbsp;ties&nbsp;following a summit between their leaders.

Chinese&nbsp;President Xi Jinping and&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed in April to open a new chapter in&nbsp;ties, just months after a dispute over a stretch of their high-altitude Himalayan border&nbsp;rekindled fears of war.

China wants to develop military&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with&nbsp;India&nbsp;to boost mutual trust and manage differences,&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told&nbsp;a monthly news briefing.

The two countries were in talks for a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;India&nbsp;by a delegation of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;border&nbsp;forces, he added, without giving details.

Such exchanges can help "strengthen&nbsp;border&nbsp;management and control and further mutual trust between front-line&nbsp;forces", Ren said.

Hundreds of troops from both sides were deployed in 2017 on the Doklam plateau, near the borders of&nbsp;India, its ally Bhutan, and China after&nbsp;India&nbsp;objected to&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;construction of a road in the Himalayan area in their most serious standoff in years.

There is still deep mistrust between the neighbours over their festering&nbsp;border&nbsp;dispute, which triggered a brief war in 1962.

There is still deep mistrust between the neighbours over their festering border dispute, which triggered a brief war in 1962

China is discussing with India a visit by Chinese border forces to build trust on their disputed frontier, China's defence ministry said on Thursday, as the neighbours seek to reset ties following a summit between their leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed in April to open a new chapter in ties, just months after a dispute over a stretch of their high-altitude Himalayan border rekindled fears of war. China wants to develop military ties with India to boost mutual trust and manage differences, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing. The two countries were in talks for a visit to India by a delegation of Chinese border forces, he added, without giving details. Such exchanges can help "strengthen border management and control and further mutual trust between front-line forces", Ren said. Hundreds of troops from both sides were deployed in 2017 on the Doklam plateau, near the borders of India, its ally Bhutan, and China after India objected to Chinese construction of a road in the Himalayan area in their most serious standoff in years. There is still deep mistrust between the neighbours over their festering border dispute, which triggered a brief war in 1962.

Chinese border forces plan to visit India amid reset in ties

Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that he had spoken to both his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to resume the stalled SAARC process by sorting out their differences.

Unveiling a book titled 'Effectiveness of SAARC and Regional Conference' at a function organised by the Federal Parliament Secretariat here yesterday, Prime Minister Oli said that building friendly relations based on mutual understanding, cooperation and collaboration among SAARC member states were essential for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region.

The 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit was to be held in Islamabad in 2016 but after a major terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. There has been no progress since then.

Oli, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to India and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during his trip to Nepal recently, had discussed about the need to restart the SAARC process.&nbsp;

"Nepal is the current chair of SAARC. There is a misunderstanding among some members. However, it is necessary to create cordial environment among them," Oli said, stressing the need for sorting out the differences between SAARC neighbours.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara, while expressing concern over the delay in convening the biennial summit, urged all the member states to take the SAARC process forward actively and effectively.

SAARC Summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association.

The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu.

Prime Minister Oli said that building friendly relations based on mutual understanding, cooperation and collaboration among SAARC member states were essential for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region

Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that he had spoken to both his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to resume the stalled SAARC process by sorting out their differences. Unveiling a book titled 'Effectiveness of SAARC and Regional Conference' at a function organised by the Federal Parliament Secretariat here yesterday, Prime Minister Oli said that building friendly relations based on mutual understanding, cooperation and collaboration among SAARC member states were essential for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region. The 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit was to be held in Islamabad in 2016 but after a major terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. There has been no progress since then. Oli, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to India and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during his trip to Nepal recently, had discussed about the need to restart the SAARC process. "Nepal is the current chair of SAARC. There is a misunderstanding among some members. However, it is necessary to create cordial environment among them," Oli said, stressing the need for sorting out the differences between SAARC neighbours. Speaker of the House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara, while expressing concern over the delay in convening the biennial summit, urged all the member states to take the SAARC process forward actively and effectively. SAARC Summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu.

Oli speaks to prime ministers of India, Pakistan to resume stalled SAARC process

Only 13 per cent of the tiger conservation areas met the global standards of an accreditation system, the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (tiger conservation areas), a new survey of current management methodologies at 112 sites located in 11 tiger-range countries, including India, said.&nbsp;

The survey is the first and largest rapid assessment of site-based tiger conservation across Asia and has been driven by 11 conservation organisations and tiger-range governments that are part of the CA|TS coalition.

Under the accreditation system of CA|TS, tiger conservation areas provide evidence under seven pillars and 17 elements of critical management activity to demonstrate that they meet a range of criteria for effective conservation management.&nbsp;

&quot;To date, three sites &mdash; Lansdowne Forest Division in Uttarakhand, India, Chitwan National Park in Nepal and Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve in Russia &mdash; have been awarded CA|TS Approved status,&quot; a statement said. The CA|TS was developed in response to the need for stringent conservation procedures for protection of the big cat through a partnership between governments and conservation organisations to assess the levels of effective management, among others. Of the 112 global sites surveyed, only 12.5 per cent was currently able to meet the full CA|TS criteria.

&quot;Half of the assessed sites (52.5 per cent) report fairly strong management, although there are improvements needed. The remaining 35 per cent (the majority of which are in Southeast Asia) have relatively weak management.

&nbsp;&quot;Basic needs such as enforcement of laws against poaching, engaging local communities and managing conflicts between people and wildlife, remain weak for all areas surveyed,&quot; it said. Global Tiger Forum Assistant Secretary General S P Yadav said an ineffective management of tiger conservation areas led to the extinction of tigers from certain areas.

&quot;To halt and reverse the decline of wild tigers, effective management is thus the single most important action. &quot;To achieve this, long-term investment in tiger conservation areas is absolutely essential and this is a responsibility that must be led by the tiger-range governments,? a statement quoted Yadav as saying.&nbsp;

Positive findings highlight the fact that tiger monitoring is being implemented in 87 per cent of the sites and all sites surveyed in South Asian and East Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Russia have management plans. However, several sites in Southeast Asia, including countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand, did not have management plans and about 85 per cent of the sites also had no systems for assessing management effectiveness, it said.

&quot;Despite poaching being one of the greatest threats faced by big cats, 85 per cent of the areas surveyed do not have the staff capacity to patrol the sites effectively and 61 per cent of the areas in Southeast Asia have a very limited anti-poaching enforcement,&quot; it said.

It said low investment from governments in Southeast Asia was one of the reasons for the lack of management of these supposedly &quot;protected areas&quot;. Michael Blazer, chair of the executive committee of CA|TS, said unless governments committed to sustained investments in the protection of these sites, the tiger population might face catastrophic decline that they had suffered over the last few decades. &quot;The accreditation of Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand, in May 2017, the third CA|TS accredited site globally and the first in India, is significant since it is a crucial link between the Rajaji and Corbett tiger reserves,&quot; said Ravi Singh, secretary general and CEO of WWF-India.

All sites surveyed in South Asian and East Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Russia have management plans

Only 13 per cent of the tiger conservation areas met the global standards of an accreditation system, the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (tiger conservation areas), a new survey of current management methodologies at 112 sites located in 11 tiger-range countries, including India, said. The survey is the first and largest rapid assessment of site-based tiger conservation across Asia and has been driven by 11 conservation organisations and tiger-range governments that are part of the CA|TS coalition. Under the accreditation system of CA|TS, tiger conservation areas provide evidence under seven pillars and 17 elements of critical management activity to demonstrate that they meet a range of criteria for effective conservation management. "To date, three sites — Lansdowne Forest Division in Uttarakhand, India, Chitwan National Park in Nepal and Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve in Russia — have been awarded CA|TS Approved status," a statement said. The CA|TS was developed in response to the need for stringent conservation procedures for protection of the big cat through a partnership between governments and conservation organisations to assess the levels of effective management, among others. Of the 112 global sites surveyed, only 12.5 per cent was currently able to meet the full CA|TS criteria. "Half of the assessed sites (52.5 per cent) report fairly strong management, although there are improvements needed. The remaining 35 per cent (the majority of which are in Southeast Asia) have relatively weak management. "Basic needs such as enforcement of laws against poaching, engaging local communities and managing conflicts between people and wildlife, remain weak for all areas surveyed," it said. Global Tiger Forum Assistant Secretary General S P Yadav said an ineffective management of tiger conservation areas led to the extinction of tigers from certain areas. "To halt and reverse the decline of wild tigers, effective management is thus the single most important action. "To achieve this, long-term investment in tiger conservation areas is absolutely essential and this is a responsibility that must be led by the tiger-range governments,? a statement quoted Yadav as saying. Positive findings highlight the fact that tiger monitoring is being implemented in 87 per cent of the sites and all sites surveyed in South Asian and East Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Russia have management plans. However, several sites in Southeast Asia, including countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand, did not have management plans and about 85 per cent of the sites also had no systems for assessing management effectiveness, it said. "Despite poaching being one of the greatest threats faced by big cats, 85 per cent of the areas surveyed do not have the staff capacity to patrol the sites effectively and 61 per cent of the areas in Southeast Asia have a very limited anti-poaching enforcement," it said. It said low investment from governments in Southeast Asia was one of the reasons for the lack of management of these supposedly "protected areas". Michael Blazer, chair of the executive committee of CA|TS, said unless governments committed to sustained investments in the protection of these sites, the tiger population might face catastrophic decline that they had suffered over the last few decades. "The accreditation of Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand, in May 2017, the third CA|TS accredited site globally and the first in India, is significant since it is a crucial link between the Rajaji and Corbett tiger reserves," said Ravi Singh, secretary general and CEO of WWF-India.

Only 13% of tiger conservation areas meet global standards: Survey

In a rare visit, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval quietly travelled to Bhutan earlier this month where they held extensive talks with the Bhutanese leadership on key strategic issues including the situation in Doklam, government sources said.

The visit came after reports from intelligence agencies that soldiers from China&#39;s People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) were seen patrolling areas which are under Bhutan&#39;s control.

According to intelligence agencies, the Chinese Army has been holding intrusive patrolling in areas near Doklam like Lhariong, Sarithang, Sinchulumpa and Pangka La; the PLA has also been conducting fighter and helicopter reconnaissance sorties over the areas.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-doklam-emerging-as-a-flash-point-between-china-and-india-17553" target="_blank">Why Doklam is emerging as a flashpoint between India and China</a>

Despite the onset of winters, the PLA was continuing with force consolidation in western sector, the intelligence agencies said. Apart from the field defences constructed north of Doklam, the PLA has also erected around 25 small to medium size tents alongside open communication trenches in the area, they said.

A PLA observation post with Chinese flag was been observed in the area, the intelligence agencies said adding that Chinese soldiers continue to ferry troops and logistics supplies towards Doka La cutting past Bhutan&#39;s claim line, the Sinche La ridge.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doklam-was-a-setback-china-keen-on-teaching-india-a-lesson-19300" target="_blank">Doklam was a setback, China keen on teaching India a lesson</a>

Sources said that during the visit by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-rawats-remarks-on-dokalam-unconstructive-china-29595" target="_blank">Army Chief</a> and top officials on February 6 and 7, India and Bhutan reviewed bilateral security and defence cooperation with focus on China&#39;s increasing military posturing and infrastructure development around the Doklam plateau.

The visit by General Rawat, Doval and Gokhale was the first by top Indian officials from India to Bhutan after the Doklam standoff, and was kept under wraps by the Bhutanese and Indian sides.

The visit came three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of an investors&#39; summit in Guwahati. The sources said the Bhutanese side apprised the Indians of the status of boundary talks between Bhutan and China, and emphasised that Thimphu wants peace in the Doklam tri-junction.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped construction of a road at the disputed Doklam tri-junction by the Chinese army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off ended on August 28.

China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the dispute in the area.

India has argued that it has a say in the issue, especially in the backdrop of a 2012 agreement between special representatives of the two countries, that have till now held 20 rounds of talks. Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India.

The visit came after reports from intelligence agencies that soldiers from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) were seen patrolling areas which are under Bhutan's control

In a rare visit, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval quietly travelled to Bhutan earlier this month where they held extensive talks with the Bhutanese leadership on key strategic issues including the situation in Doklam, government sources said. The visit came after reports from intelligence agencies that soldiers from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) were seen patrolling areas which are under Bhutan's control. According to intelligence agencies, the Chinese Army has been holding intrusive patrolling in areas near Doklam like Lhariong, Sarithang, Sinchulumpa and Pangka La; the PLA has also been conducting fighter and helicopter reconnaissance sorties over the areas. Also read: Why Doklam is emerging as a flashpoint between India and China Despite the onset of winters, the PLA was continuing with force consolidation in western sector, the intelligence agencies said. Apart from the field defences constructed north of Doklam, the PLA has also erected around 25 small to medium size tents alongside open communication trenches in the area, they said. A PLA observation post with Chinese flag was been observed in the area, the intelligence agencies said adding that Chinese soldiers continue to ferry troops and logistics supplies towards Doka La cutting past Bhutan's claim line, the Sinche La ridge. Also read: Doklam was a setback, China keen on teaching India a lesson Sources said that during the visit by the Army Chief and top officials on February 6 and 7, India and Bhutan reviewed bilateral security and defence cooperation with focus on China's increasing military posturing and infrastructure development around the Doklam plateau. The visit by General Rawat, Doval and Gokhale was the first by top Indian officials from India to Bhutan after the Doklam standoff, and was kept under wraps by the Bhutanese and Indian sides. The visit came three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of an investors' summit in Guwahati. The sources said the Bhutanese side apprised the Indians of the status of boundary talks between Bhutan and China, and emphasised that Thimphu wants peace in the Doklam tri-junction. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped construction of a road at the disputed Doklam tri-junction by the Chinese army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off ended on August 28. China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the dispute in the area. India has argued that it has a say in the issue, especially in the backdrop of a 2012 agreement between special representatives of the two countries, that have till now held 20 rounds of talks. Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India.

After Doklam standoff, Army Chief, NSA and Foreign Secretary secretly visited Bhutan. Here's why

For decades Bhutan had no television, no traffic lights and a culture that had barely changed in centuries.

Today, bars dot the capital, Thimphu, set in mist-covered mountains, teenagers crowd internet cafes to play violent video games, and men smoke and gamble in snooker halls.

There are still no traffic lights after residents protested against the installation of one, but otherwise, the once-isolated Buddhist country tucked between India and China is changing, and bringing the modern world&#39;s problems in its wake.&nbsp;

Inside a gaudily lit dance club, guests watch a 38-year-old woman swaying to the songs they choose, usually traditional folk music but sometimes a Bollywood number or two.

Lhaden, a divorced mother-of-two, dances until midnight, and like thousands of her compatriots, is struggling to make ends meet.

&quot;I&#39;m not happy or sad about things, I have no other choice,&quot; said Lhaden, who only has one name.

Bhutan measures its national wealth by a Gross National Happiness index aiming to build a contented, fulfilled society. But Lhaden, who earns $125 a month, is counting the pennies.

&quot;I live in such a small flat so I can afford food and clothes.&quot;

Signs of change are everywhere, pulling the country of snow-capped, jagged mountains, forests, rivers and clean air into the modern world.

Smoke billows from construction sites across the country and a giant bronze-and-gold Buddha statue that commands the entry to the Thimphu valley now shares space with modern telecom towers.

On the streets and even in the countryside, jeans have become as commonplace as the traditional Bhutanese knee-length gho robes for men and the ankle-length kira dresses that women wear.

Bhutan&#39;s $2.2 billion economy remains predominantly agricultural, but mobile phones and TV sets are everywhere, even in the Phobjikha valley, a tourist haven about seven hours&#39; drive from Thimphu and in winter, home to Bhutan&#39;s famed black-necked cranes.

&quot;Children are spending more time on their mobile phones and not studying,&quot; said Ap Daw, 43, a farmer who also bemoans the rising mounds of trash by the road.

Next to his house, a squad of Buddhist monks has discarded their crimson robes to play football, in Manchester United and Chelsea jerseys.

Daw&#39;s 13-year-old son, Sonam Tshering, a football fan himself, has big dreams too.

&quot;I would love to become a science teacher and watch Cristiano Ronaldo play for Real Madrid,&quot; said Sonam as he helped feed the family cattle.

Signs of change are everywhere, pulling the country of snow-capped, jagged mountains, forests, rivers and clean air into the modern world

For decades Bhutan had no television, no traffic lights and a culture that had barely changed in centuries. Today, bars dot the capital, Thimphu, set in mist-covered mountains, teenagers crowd internet cafes to play violent video games, and men smoke and gamble in snooker halls. There are still no traffic lights after residents protested against the installation of one, but otherwise, the once-isolated Buddhist country tucked between India and China is changing, and bringing the modern world's problems in its wake. Inside a gaudily lit dance club, guests watch a 38-year-old woman swaying to the songs they choose, usually traditional folk music but sometimes a Bollywood number or two. Lhaden, a divorced mother-of-two, dances until midnight, and like thousands of her compatriots, is struggling to make ends meet. "I'm not happy or sad about things, I have no other choice," said Lhaden, who only has one name. Bhutan measures its national wealth by a Gross National Happiness index aiming to build a contented, fulfilled society. But Lhaden, who earns $125 a month, is counting the pennies. "I live in such a small flat so I can afford food and clothes." Signs of change are everywhere, pulling the country of snow-capped, jagged mountains, forests, rivers and clean air into the modern world. Smoke billows from construction sites across the country and a giant bronze-and-gold Buddha statue that commands the entry to the Thimphu valley now shares space with modern telecom towers. On the streets and even in the countryside, jeans have become as commonplace as the traditional Bhutanese knee-length gho robes for men and the ankle-length kira dresses that women wear. Bhutan's $2.2 billion economy remains predominantly agricultural, but mobile phones and TV sets are everywhere, even in the Phobjikha valley, a tourist haven about seven hours' drive from Thimphu and in winter, home to Bhutan's famed black-necked cranes. "Children are spending more time on their mobile phones and not studying," said Ap Daw, 43, a farmer who also bemoans the rising mounds of trash by the road. Next to his house, a squad of Buddhist monks has discarded their crimson robes to play football, in Manchester United and Chelsea jerseys. Daw's 13-year-old son, Sonam Tshering, a football fan himself, has big dreams too. "I would love to become a science teacher and watch Cristiano Ronaldo play for Real Madrid," said Sonam as he helped feed the family cattle.

Dance bars, mobile phones and Chelsea jerseys: The changing face of Bhutan

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