Prime Minister of Bhutan His Excellency Tshering Tobgay was elected as the Prime Minister for the second term on January 28, 2024. In this interview, WION talks to His Excellency Tshering Tobgay about India - Bhutan relations and the future vision for sustainability in Bhutan.&nbsp;

1. What are some key goals you are focusing on for Bhutan after being elected as Prime Minister for the second term?&nbsp;

Our development cycle is a five year cycle. And we've just started our 13th five year plan. As a matter of fact, it started on the first of July. Our main responsibility will be to implement the 13th five year plan successfully. The 13th Five Year Plan is one of our most, in fact, it is the most ambitious plan. And we expect to get a lot done in terms of social economic development for our country. There is a lot in terms of infrastructure development, health care, education, agriculture, rural improvement of rural livelihoods, and so on and so forth.

And our biggest responsibility is to implement this successfully. It is ambitious in terms of scope, it is ambitious in terms of financing as well. And our principal, external partner in financing some of the capital works. Our biggest assistance provider is India's government, for which we are deeply grateful. Our immediate challenge is stimulating our economy because as the economy is very small to begin with, and it has taken a hit, it has not been able to recover from the effects of the COVID pandemic. So our immediate interest and our immediate duty is to resuscitate to stimulate our economy. And for that we have an economic stimulus program. 
 
The economic stimulus program is 1500 crores, and the government of India also supports all of that. And again, we are deeply grateful to the Government of India because it is the economic stimulus program that's going to resuscitate and stimulate our economy, allowing our economy to grow and to strengthen as we envision it in the 13 five year plan. In addition, we have a lot we need to focus on. We expect to expand tourism to not just pre-pandemic levels, but beyond pre-pandemic levels, we are already carrying increased tourist arrivals, but we expect to enhance those numbers. 
 
We will be focusing on developing the agricultural sector right now with a skilled subsistence. So we expect to make it a lot more commercial and viable, commercially viable for our farmers. And most importantly, our biggest priority will be the development of the Gelephu mindfulness city. This is a special administrative region, which is being developed by His Majesty the King, along our border with India. This is a 2600 square kilometer pristine area, which is really a blank canvas to develop a new city based on mindfulness and harmony and sustainability. So we expect to balance growth and progress in the city with mindfulness, spirituality, and natural sustainability.

2. Bhutan has been applauded for being a carbon-negative country. How do you plan to ensure Bhutan stays a carbon-negative country?&nbsp;

Well, the first question is, why should we stay a carbon-negative country? And the answer is very, very clear. Because we as a world, we as a species, face an existential threat&nbsp;unless we tackle climate change. Now, Bhutan is a very small country. And we've done more than our share to curtail emissions. We sequester three times more than we emit in terms of greenhouse gasses we are a carbon-negative country. So even though we are small, we are poor, we are undeveloped we have done a great deal due to the enlightened leadership of our kings to protect our environment and remain carbon negative. So when I say why we should remain negative it is a question to the world. We should remain carbon negative we should become even more net negative. But larger countries, bigger countries, more powerful countries, and richer countries must do their part and must do their part urgently. As far as Bhutan is concerned, sustainability and being carbon mindful of&nbsp;emissions is a deeply seated value system, which is enshrined in our development philosophy of gross national happiness, it is always in our DNA. So we will&nbsp;ensure that we continue to remain carbon neutral and carbon negative.

Our Constitution mandates that at least 60% of our country is under&nbsp;forests cover. Today, we have 72% of our country under forest cover, but by constitution, we are required to ensure that 60% of our country is under forest cover. And if we fulfill our constitutional provisions, we will remain carbon-negative. But if we remain true to our values, to our soul through to our DNA, true to the principles of gross national happiness, we will definitely be carbon negative.

3. How can India - Bhutan relations be expected to transform over the upcoming 5 years?&nbsp;

Well, our relations with our most important neighbour, most friendly neighbour, our partner really, India is very strong, it's very intimate. It is all encompassing, yet it will grow from strength to strength in the next five years.&nbsp;The government to government relations are good, they will get even better. Business to business relations are good and we expect it to expand. People-to-people relations are also very good. We expect further engagement between our people to&nbsp;further strengthen&nbsp;our people to people relations. So in all spheres of our relations, you can expect our already strong relations to get even stronger. And I know it can get only stronger because the people of India are well disposed to Bhutan. I know that relations are going to get even stronger. Because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very friendly and I know that Bhutan has a special place in his heart.

4. &nbsp;What are three sectors for India-Bhutan collaboration?

If I had to choose three, I would say the first would be development cooperation. We are the recipients of India's generosity in implementing the 13th five-year plan. And for that we have to work very closely together. So that's one area of very important and strong cooperation. Another area that has historically been important and continues to be very important is our cooperation in the field of hydropower development. And now it's not just hydropower, it's energy. So in the next five years, we know that we will be working even more closely with not just the government of India, but also the private sector&nbsp;to develop the&nbsp;hydropower sector and the renewable energy sector. So that the other energy for operation would be the other sector for cooperation. The third, which I am very excited about, is the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the Special Administrative Region, which has been developed as a unique, wonderful kind of city along on our border with India so I can see a lot of cooperation happening there in the next five years.&nbsp;

5. How was your experience visiting Delhi for Indian Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony?

I was honoured to be there. At the specific, India invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, I was honoured because I visited Delhi. I took part in his swearing-in celebrations&nbsp;as a representative of His Majesty the King and all the people of Bhutan. The event, as you know, was historic. Because this is the third consecutive time that a leader has been sworn in. The same leader is being sworn in as prime minister of India. So for me, I felt honoured to be there at such a significant and historic moment. While I was there, I could feel a sense of optimism and hope. I could see the positive energy. I could feel all of it was so palpable. And that just made me feel that much more honoured and humbled to be there.

6. What is your tourism-centric policy focus for Bhutan? Do you intend to create policies to boost tourism in Bhutan?

We want tourists. But unlike the rest of the world, we don't want too many tourists. We want guests, we want to welcome international guests. But our carrying capacity is limited. We know that our environment, which we treasure, is not indestructible. Our culture that we are extremely proud of which is unique is also very fragile. Economic infrastructure, whether it is the roads, the hotels, the financial infrastructure, they are all very limited. And therefore while we want to welcome guests, we cannot entertain too many at the same time. So we want to miss and we've been a target of time, if you will, of 300,000 tourists per year, we expect that half of those would be Indian tourists, and the rest would be from other parts of the world. So that is the number that is the target we have said that is the quota that we have defined based on our own carrying capacity. We don't want to ruin what the tourists come to visit to see and experience in the first place. Our first and foremost responsibility to address is to protect what they want to visit to protect what they want to come here for and the only way to protect 
That low volume tourism is a maximum of 300,000 tourists a year and the value is by set by ensuring a charge of a sustainable development fee. That Sustainable Development fee goes towards ensuring the sustainability of our nature protection and that serves wildlife sanctuaries, protected areas and also contributes to providing free health care and free education for the Bhutanese people.&nbsp;

7. What are some policy failures in Bhutan you intend to address during your term as Prime Minister?

Barely a generation ago, 50 years ago, Bhutan was basically isolated, self-imposed isolation and it was like a medieval country. And if you look at where we've gone today, you'd imagine that our policies have succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Our parents certainly think so we've really exceeded our biggest expectations and aspirations. That said, we do have a big problem and that is gross national happiness. It is gross national happiness that has brought us this far. Gross National Happiness basically balances economic growth, which is important with sustainability, social progress, culture, environment and good governance. 
 
And because of gross national happiness, today, every child goes to school, enjoys a good education, enjoys free health care, can speak English and can relate to the rest of the world. However, our economy has not kept pace. It is scalable, it is equitable, but it is still very small. And it cannot cater to the aspirations of our youth and therefore many of our youth are going abroad to look for jobs that they want to provide the income that they aspire for. And in that sense, we have to admit that while Gross National Happiness has succeeded beyond our wildest expectations, our economy, while it is still sustainable and equitable, has not been able to keep pace with the demands of socially progressive youth in a socially progressive country. Therefore, my emphasis is on stimulating our economy and then strengthening it and diversifying. The economy and expanding it all to provide not just jobs, but opportunities for youth to fulfill their aspirations and their ambitions.

(The author is the Youth Ambassador of India and Bhutan, selected by Center of Escalation of Peace-Royal Institute of Governance Bhutan)

Prime Minister of Bhutan His Excellency Tshering Tobgay was elected as the Prime Minister for the second term on January 28, 2024. In this interview, WION talks to His Excellency Tshering Tobgay about India - Bhutan relations and the future vision for sustainability in Bhutan.

Prime Minister of Bhutan His Excellency Tshering Tobgay was elected as the Prime Minister for the second term on January 28, 2024. In this interview, WION talks to His Excellency Tshering Tobgay about India - Bhutan relations and the future vision for sustainability in Bhutan. 1. What are some key goals you are focusing on for Bhutan after being elected as Prime Minister for the second term? Our development cycle is a five year cycle. And we've just started our 13th five year plan. As a matter of fact, it started on the first of July. Our main responsibility will be to implement the 13th five year plan successfully. The 13th Five Year Plan is one of our most, in fact, it is the most ambitious plan. And we expect to get a lot done in terms of social economic development for our country. There is a lot in terms of infrastructure development, health care, education, agriculture, rural improvement of rural livelihoods, and so on and so forth. And our biggest responsibility is to implement this successfully. It is ambitious in terms of scope, it is ambitious in terms of financing as well. And our principal, external partner in financing some of the capital works. Our biggest assistance provider is India's government, for which we are deeply grateful. Our immediate challenge is stimulating our economy because as the economy is very small to begin with, and it has taken a hit, it has not been able to recover from the effects of the COVID pandemic. So our immediate interest and our immediate duty is to resuscitate to stimulate our economy. And for that we have an economic stimulus program. The economic stimulus program is 1500 crores, and the government of India also supports all of that. And again, we are deeply grateful to the Government of India because it is the economic stimulus program that's going to resuscitate and stimulate our economy, allowing our economy to grow and to strengthen as we envision it in the 13 five year plan. In addition, we have a lot we need to focus on. We expect to expand tourism to not just pre-pandemic levels, but beyond pre-pandemic levels, we are already carrying increased tourist arrivals, but we expect to enhance those numbers. We will be focusing on developing the agricultural sector right now with a skilled subsistence. So we expect to make it a lot more commercial and viable, commercially viable for our farmers. And most importantly, our biggest priority will be the development of the Gelephu mindfulness city. This is a special administrative region, which is being developed by His Majesty the King, along our border with India. This is a 2600 square kilometer pristine area, which is really a blank canvas to develop a new city based on mindfulness and harmony and sustainability. So we expect to balance growth and progress in the city with mindfulness, spirituality, and natural sustainability. 2. Bhutan has been applauded for being a carbon-negative country. How do you plan to ensure Bhutan stays a carbon-negative country? Well, the first question is, why should we stay a carbon-negative country? And the answer is very, very clear. Because we as a world, we as a species, face an existential threat unless we tackle climate change. Now, Bhutan is a very small country. And we've done more than our share to curtail emissions. We sequester three times more than we emit in terms of greenhouse gasses we are a carbon-negative country. So even though we are small, we are poor, we are undeveloped we have done a great deal due to the enlightened leadership of our kings to protect our environment and remain carbon negative. So when I say why we should remain negative it is a question to the world. We should remain carbon negative we should become even more net negative. But larger countries, bigger countries, more powerful countries, and richer countries must do their part and must do their part urgently. As far as Bhutan is concerned, sustainability and being carbon mindful of emissions is a deeply seated value system, which is enshrined in our development philosophy of gross national happiness, it is always in our DNA. So we will ensure that we continue to remain carbon neutral and carbon negative. Our Constitution mandates that at least 60% of our country is under forests cover. Today, we have 72% of our country under forest cover, but by constitution, we are required to ensure that 60% of our country is under forest cover. And if we fulfill our constitutional provisions, we will remain carbon-negative. But if we remain true to our values, to our soul through to our DNA, true to the principles of gross national happiness, we will definitely be carbon negative. 3. How can India - Bhutan relations be expected to transform over the upcoming 5 years? Well, our relations with our most important neighbour, most friendly neighbour, our partner really, India is very strong, it's very intimate. It is all encompassing, yet it will grow from strength to strength in the next five years. The government to government relations are good, they will get even better. Business to business relations are good and we expect it to expand. People-to-people relations are also very good. We expect further engagement between our people to further strengthen our people to people relations. So in all spheres of our relations, you can expect our already strong relations to get even stronger. And I know it can get only stronger because the people of India are well disposed to Bhutan. I know that relations are going to get even stronger. Because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very friendly and I know that Bhutan has a special place in his heart. 4. What are three sectors for India-Bhutan collaboration? If I had to choose three, I would say the first would be development cooperation. We are the recipients of India's generosity in implementing the 13th five-year plan. And for that we have to work very closely together. So that's one area of very important and strong cooperation. Another area that has historically been important and continues to be very important is our cooperation in the field of hydropower development. And now it's not just hydropower, it's energy. So in the next five years, we know that we will be working even more closely with not just the government of India, but also the private sector to develop the hydropower sector and the renewable energy sector. So that the other energy for operation would be the other sector for cooperation. The third, which I am very excited about, is the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the Special Administrative Region, which has been developed as a unique, wonderful kind of city along on our border with India so I can see a lot of cooperation happening there in the next five years. 5. How was your experience visiting Delhi for Indian Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony? I was honoured to be there. At the specific, India invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, I was honoured because I visited Delhi. I took part in his swearing-in celebrations as a representative of His Majesty the King and all the people of Bhutan. The event, as you know, was historic. Because this is the third consecutive time that a leader has been sworn in. The same leader is being sworn in as prime minister of India. So for me, I felt honoured to be there at such a significant and historic moment. While I was there, I could feel a sense of optimism and hope. I could see the positive energy. I could feel all of it was so palpable. And that just made me feel that much more honoured and humbled to be there. 6. What is your tourism-centric policy focus for Bhutan? Do you intend to create policies to boost tourism in Bhutan? We want tourists. But unlike the rest of the world, we don't want too many tourists. We want guests, we want to welcome international guests. But our carrying capacity is limited. We know that our environment, which we treasure, is not indestructible. Our culture that we are extremely proud of which is unique is also very fragile. Economic infrastructure, whether it is the roads, the hotels, the financial infrastructure, they are all very limited. And therefore while we want to welcome guests, we cannot entertain too many at the same time. So we want to miss and we've been a target of time, if you will, of 300,000 tourists per year, we expect that half of those would be Indian tourists, and the rest would be from other parts of the world. So that is the number that is the target we have said that is the quota that we have defined based on our own carrying capacity. We don't want to ruin what the tourists come to visit to see and experience in the first place. Our first and foremost responsibility to address is to protect what they want to visit to protect what they want to come here for and the only way to protect That low volume tourism is a maximum of 300,000 tourists a year and the value is by set by ensuring a charge of a sustainable development fee. That Sustainable Development fee goes towards ensuring the sustainability of our nature protection and that serves wildlife sanctuaries, protected areas and also contributes to providing free health care and free education for the Bhutanese people. 7. What are some policy failures in Bhutan you intend to address during your term as Prime Minister? Barely a generation ago, 50 years ago, Bhutan was basically isolated, self-imposed isolation and it was like a medieval country. And if you look at where we've gone today, you'd imagine that our policies have succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Our parents certainly think so we've really exceeded our biggest expectations and aspirations. That said, we do have a big problem and that is gross national happiness. It is gross national happiness that has brought us this far. Gross National Happiness basically balances economic growth, which is important with sustainability, social progress, culture, environment and good governance. And because of gross national happiness, today, every child goes to school, enjoys a good education, enjoys free health care, can speak English and can relate to the rest of the world. However, our economy has not kept pace. It is scalable, it is equitable, but it is still very small. And it cannot cater to the aspirations of our youth and therefore many of our youth are going abroad to look for jobs that they want to provide the income that they aspire for. And in that sense, we have to admit that while Gross National Happiness has succeeded beyond our wildest expectations, our economy, while it is still sustainable and equitable, has not been able to keep pace with the demands of socially progressive youth in a socially progressive country. Therefore, my emphasis is on stimulating our economy and then strengthening it and diversifying. The economy and expanding it all to provide not just jobs, but opportunities for youth to fulfill their aspirations and their ambitions. (The author is the Youth Ambassador of India and Bhutan, selected by Center of Escalation of Peace-Royal Institute of Governance Bhutan)

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay Interview: It is gross national happiness that has brought us this far

Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to become prime minister for a second time after his party won nearly two-thirds of seats, the election commission said in results released Wednesday.

Tobgay, head of the liberal People's Democratic Party (PDP), who served as prime minister of the Himalayan kingdom from 2013 to 2018, won 30 of 47 seats in Tuesday's election, official figures showed.

Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to become prime minister for a second time after his party won nearly two-thirds of seats, the election commission said in results released Wednesday.

Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to become prime minister for a second time after his party won nearly two-thirds of seats, the election commission said in results released Wednesday. Tobgay, head of the liberal People's Democratic Party (PDP), who served as prime minister of the Himalayan kingdom from 2013 to 2018, won 30 of 47 seats in Tuesday's election, official figures showed.

Bhutan's Tshering Tobgay to become PM for second time: Official results

Bhutan on Wednesday became the first country to receive "Made in India" covid vaccines with an Indian Air Force's AN32 landing in the country with 150,000 doses. Present on the occasion were Bhutan's PM Dr Lotay Tshering, Health minister Dechen Wangmo, Foreign secretary Kinga Singye and India's Ambassador to the country Ruchira Kamboj.

The country received the Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India--COVISHIELD within 5 days of India launching its massive vaccination drive. After receiving the vaccine, Bhutan's Prime Minister said it was a gift from a "trusted friend" who has been with Bhutan all through the decades and in this pandemic too.

PM Lotay said, "As we celebrate the arrival of the vaccine as the new milestone in our battle to beat the pandemic at home, we applaud the gesture that signifies the compassion and generosity of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and the people of India for the wellbeing of the humanity".

The Indian government has assured to cover the two doses requirement of Bhutan's target population of around 533,500 and has committed to deliver the remaining consignments soon.

The Bhutanese PM pointed&nbsp;out that India reached out despite challenges it faces, pointing out, "It is of unimaginable value when precious commodities are shared even before meeting your own needs, as opposed to giving out only after you have enough"

Adding, "It is the display of altruism at best, and an exhibit of India's sincerity in the relationship we cherish. These will all translate into the prayers and prosperity of the people of India, emanating from the grateful hearts of Bhutan".

Amid the pandemic, India handed over ten consignments of medical supplies, portable X-Ray machine, essential medicines and medical equipment to Bhutan. In fact, prior to the vaccine delivery, India organised a training programme for immunization managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers from Bhutan, both at national and provincial levels.

India will be gifting covid vaccines to 6 countries--Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. While Bhutan and Maldives got it on Wednesday, the first day of exports, Nepal and Bangladesh will receive it on Thursday. India is gifting Nepal 1 million doses of vaccine, while Bangladesh gets 2 million.

Bhutan on Wednesday became the first country to receive "Made in India" covid vaccines with an Indian Air Force's AN32 landing in the country with 150,000 doses.

Bhutan on Wednesday became the first country to receive "Made in India" covid vaccines with an Indian Air Force's AN32 landing in the country with 150,000 doses. Present on the occasion were Bhutan's PM Dr Lotay Tshering, Health minister Dechen Wangmo, Foreign secretary Kinga Singye and India's Ambassador to the country Ruchira Kamboj. The country received the Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India--COVISHIELD within 5 days of India launching its massive vaccination drive. After receiving the vaccine, Bhutan's Prime Minister said it was a gift from a "trusted friend" who has been with Bhutan all through the decades and in this pandemic too. PM Lotay said, "As we celebrate the arrival of the vaccine as the new milestone in our battle to beat the pandemic at home, we applaud the gesture that signifies the compassion and generosity of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and the people of India for the wellbeing of the humanity". The Indian government has assured to cover the two doses requirement of Bhutan's target population of around 533,500 and has committed to deliver the remaining consignments soon. The Bhutanese PM pointed out that India reached out despite challenges it faces, pointing out, "It is of unimaginable value when precious commodities are shared even before meeting your own needs, as opposed to giving out only after you have enough" Adding, "It is the display of altruism at best, and an exhibit of India's sincerity in the relationship we cherish. These will all translate into the prayers and prosperity of the people of India, emanating from the grateful hearts of Bhutan". Amid the pandemic, India handed over ten consignments of medical supplies, portable X-Ray machine, essential medicines and medical equipment to Bhutan. In fact, prior to the vaccine delivery, India organised a training programme for immunization managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers from Bhutan, both at national and provincial levels. India will be gifting covid vaccines to 6 countries--Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. While Bhutan and Maldives got it on Wednesday, the first day of exports, Nepal and Bangladesh will receive it on Thursday. India is gifting Nepal 1 million doses of vaccine, while Bangladesh gets 2 million.

'Gesture of compassion & generosity', says Bhutan PM as country gets 'Made in India' vaccines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-wouldnt-want-a-friend-like-bhutan-it-is-an-honour-to-be-part-of-its-development-pm-modi-in-thimpu-243651">Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology</a>, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering here on Sunday.

"Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it. Now with the help of the Indian government, with the help of ISRO, and SAARC satellite activities are going on," Tshering told ANI.

"We're very happy and very grateful to the government of India for building a station here. From now on, we'd like to tap resources from there.&nbsp;Through PM Modi's leadership, ISRO is willing to help us build our human capacity in that so we`re looking forward to that," he added.

His statement to ANI came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi from Paro, after wrapping up his fruitful two-day bilateral trip to Bhutan.

Both India and Bhutan have agreed to focus on newer areas of bilateral cooperation like education, health, and space.&nbsp;

Taking this forward, out of the nine MoUs inked between the two nations, at least seven are in the field of education.

An MoU between ISRO and the Department of Information Technology and Telecom (DITT) of the Royal Government of Bhutan on the establishment of SATCOM Network for the Utilisation of South Asia Satellite was also exchanged.

The Bhutanese leader highlighted that the cornerstone of the India-Bhutan relationship is the people-to-people connection.

"The main theme of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan this time was healthy people to people contact. He came with a big smile and left with a big smile," he added.

The two countries share a warm and time-tested relationship which continues to strengthen under PM Modi`s leadership.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's visit to Bhutan exemplifies the importance that India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.&nbsp;

Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering here on Sunday. "Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it.

Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering here on Sunday. "Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it. Now with the help of the Indian government, with the help of ISRO, and SAARC satellite activities are going on," Tshering told ANI. "We're very happy and very grateful to the government of India for building a station here. From now on, we'd like to tap resources from there. Through PM Modi's leadership, ISRO is willing to help us build our human capacity in that so we`re looking forward to that," he added. His statement to ANI came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi from Paro, after wrapping up his fruitful two-day bilateral trip to Bhutan. Both India and Bhutan have agreed to focus on newer areas of bilateral cooperation like education, health, and space. Taking this forward, out of the nine MoUs inked between the two nations, at least seven are in the field of education. An MoU between ISRO and the Department of Information Technology and Telecom (DITT) of the Royal Government of Bhutan on the establishment of SATCOM Network for the Utilisation of South Asia Satellite was also exchanged. The Bhutanese leader highlighted that the cornerstone of the India-Bhutan relationship is the people-to-people connection. "The main theme of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan this time was healthy people to people contact. He came with a big smile and left with a big smile," he added. The two countries share a warm and time-tested relationship which continues to strengthen under PM Modi`s leadership. The Prime Minister's visit to Bhutan exemplifies the importance that India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

'Grateful to India for building ground station here', says Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering

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;

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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

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay to visit India for 3-days starting December 27

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

The New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will visit India on December 27. This is his first foreign visit after taking charge. He took over on November 7 and is the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Tshering and congratulated him on his win. Modi conveyed to Tshering 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, the Bhutanese PM said he "is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries." He assured that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government.”&nbsp;

The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s twelfth five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's five-year plans.

This year marks the golden jubilee year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and there have been a number of accompanying events. 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% of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.2 crore including electricity (90% of Bhutan’s total exports).&nbsp; 
India also soon plans to commission the 720 MW Mangdechhu hydro-power project on the Mangdechhu river in the Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan.

In 2017, a crisis erupted in Doklam near the Bhutan, India, China trijunction when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to a 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 “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”.&nbsp;

India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three hydroelectric projects (HEP)Bhutan which together generate 1,416 MW — 336 MW by Chukha HEP, 60 MW by Kurichhu HEP and 1,020 MW by Tala HEP — of power.&nbsp;

In April 2014, an inter-governmental agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for the development of four more HEPs under the joint venture model which would together — 600 MW at Kholongchhu, 180 MW at Bunakha, 570 MW at Wangchhu and 770 MW at Chamkharchhu — generate 2,120 MW of power.&nbsp;

Incidentally, after entering office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

The New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will visit India on December 27. This is his first foreign visit after taking charge. He took over on November 7 and is the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

The New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will visit India on December 27. This is his first foreign visit after taking charge. He took over on November 7 and is the eighth prime minister of Bhutan. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Tshering and congratulated him on his win. Modi conveyed to Tshering 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, the Bhutanese PM said he "is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries." He assured 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 twelfth five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's five-year plans. This year marks the golden jubilee year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and there have been a number of accompanying events. 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% of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.2 crore including electricity (90% of Bhutan’s total exports). India also soon plans to commission the 720 MW Mangdechhu hydro-power project on the Mangdechhu river in the Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan. In 2017, a crisis erupted in Doklam near the Bhutan, India, China trijunction when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to a 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 “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 (HEP)Bhutan which together generate 1,416 MW — 336 MW by Chukha HEP, 60 MW by Kurichhu HEP and 1,020 MW by Tala HEP — of power. In April 2014, an inter-governmental agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for the development of four more HEPs under the joint venture model which would together — 600 MW at Kholongchhu, 180 MW at Bunakha, 570 MW at Wangchhu and 770 MW at Chamkharchhu — generate 2,120 MW of power. Incidentally, after entering office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

In first foreign visit, New Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering to visit India on December 27

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