Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has lauded India sending Buddha relics to his country, and termed the railway connectivity project as one that further 'cements' the friendship. India and Bhutan are advancing a 58-km cross-border rail link from Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu, set to boost trade and tourism.&nbsp;His comments come ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Himalayan kingdom next week to attend the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s Fourth King &amp; Global Peace Prayer Festival. During PM Modi's visit, a key hydropower project will be inaugurated. Speaking to WION, he said, 'PM Modi will be the guest of honour'. Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project (1,020 MW), which will nearly double Bhutan's electricity capacity, boost power exports to India, and enhance energy security for both nations. Funded partly by India, it aligns with Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bhutan-s-himalayan-haven-buddhist-leaders-convene-for-global-peace-prayers-india-to-send-relics-1762436747419">In Bhutan’s Himalayan haven, Buddhist leaders convene for global peace prayers; India to send relics</a> Tobgay described the Global Peace Prayer Festival, a joint initiative of the Indian and Bhutanese governments, as a reminder of shared values. “We have a strong spiritual tradition of conducting prayers for peace. We have reached out to monks, spiritual practitioners,” he said, adding that the event would feature an “unprecedented gathering of worshipers" who are "offering prayers for global Peace".&nbsp;India will be sending Buddha relics for the festival. PM Tobgay welcomed the gesture. “We will receive very sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India..,” he said. “India sending Relics, shows we are on the same page when it comes to spiritual collaboration, not just political, development cooperation. Deeply grateful for PM Modi to receive and worship relics. I see relics being sent as a gift of PM Modi, my elder brother, to people of Bhutan.’”&nbsp;Tobgay spoke of Modi in effusive terms, calling him “my elder brother, my political mentor, he is not just a political leader, but a spiritual master. To have him here, bless the gathering, is very important for us”. He added, “PM Modi is very caring to me, I feel the warmth of brotherhood, as early as 2014...he is an exemplary political leader, spiritual master.”&nbsp;He also spoke about Gelephu Mindfulness City, a planned “economic corridor” on Bhutan’s southern border with India. “It is important for India as well, it is on the border with India,” Tobgay said. “Indian business can enjoy advantages. It will be a gateway for investment.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buddhist-leaders-to-gather-in-bhutan-for-a-unique-global-peace-prayer-1761988446724">Buddhist leaders to gather in Bhutan for a unique Global Peace Prayer</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tobgay spoke of PM Modi in effusive terms, calling him “my elder brother, my political mentor, he is not just a political leader, but a spiritual master. To have him here, bless the gathering, is very important for us”

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has lauded India sending Buddha relics to his country, and termed the railway connectivity project as one that further 'cements' the friendship. India and Bhutan are advancing a 58-km cross-border rail link from Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu, set to boost trade and tourism. His comments come ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Himalayan kingdom next week to attend the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s Fourth King & Global Peace Prayer Festival. During PM Modi's visit, a key hydropower project will be inaugurated. Speaking to WION, he said, 'PM Modi will be the guest of honour'. Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project (1,020 MW), which will nearly double Bhutan's electricity capacity, boost power exports to India, and enhance energy security for both nations. Funded partly by India, it aligns with Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan. Also read | In Bhutan’s Himalayan haven, Buddhist leaders convene for global peace prayers; India to send relics Tobgay described the Global Peace Prayer Festival, a joint initiative of the Indian and Bhutanese governments, as a reminder of shared values. “We have a strong spiritual tradition of conducting prayers for peace. We have reached out to monks, spiritual practitioners,” he said, adding that the event would feature an “unprecedented gathering of worshipers" who are "offering prayers for global Peace". India will be sending Buddha relics for the festival. PM Tobgay welcomed the gesture. “We will receive very sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India..,” he said. “India sending Relics, shows we are on the same page when it comes to spiritual collaboration, not just political, development cooperation. Deeply grateful for PM Modi to receive and worship relics. I see relics being sent as a gift of PM Modi, my elder brother, to people of Bhutan.’” Tobgay spoke of Modi in effusive terms, calling him “my elder brother, my political mentor, he is not just a political leader, but a spiritual master. To have him here, bless the gathering, is very important for us”. He added, “PM Modi is very caring to me, I feel the warmth of brotherhood, as early as 2014...he is an exemplary political leader, spiritual master.” He also spoke about Gelephu Mindfulness City, a planned “economic corridor” on Bhutan’s southern border with India. “It is important for India as well, it is on the border with India,” Tobgay said. “Indian business can enjoy advantages. It will be a gateway for investment.” Also read | Buddhist leaders to gather in Bhutan for a unique Global Peace Prayer

Tobgay spoke of PM Modi in effusive terms, calling him “my elder brother, my political mentor, he is not just a political leader, but a spiritual master. To have him here, bless the gathering, is very important for us”

PM Modi to attend global Peace Prayer Festival, says Bhutan PM Tobgay

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who is in Delhi for the oath taking ceremony of Narender Modi, has highlighted the robust ties between his country and India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, PM Tobgay emphasized the significance of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and noted the presence and invitation of many of India's neighboring countries at the oath taking ceremony.&nbsp;

"The fact that many of the neighbors of India are here and have been invited is evidence and confirmation of the continuing neighborhood first policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," PM Tobgay remarked. "It also confirms that Bhutan, as a neighbor, matters to him and his government." Leaders of 7 countries, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal were invited for the oath taking ceremony.&nbsp;

PM Tobgay expressed optimism about the future of Bhutan-India relations, projecting strengthening of bilateral ties during PM Modi's third tenure. "Even during the third tenure of Prime Minister Modi as prime minister of India, our relations, the relations between Bhutan and India, are going to grow from strength to strength," he asserted. 
&nbsp;

Here's the full interview:&nbsp;

<meta name="uuid" content="uuid6C5GPlhhFBYv" />

WION: Participation&nbsp;at the oath taking ceremony, how do you see Bhutan being invited for the 3rd time?

Tshering Tobgay: Delighted to be here.&nbsp; Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji was very kind in inviting me here and I'm delighted to be here to represent my King and people to offer our&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;in person and to take part in the oath taking ceremony.&nbsp;The fact that many of the neighbors of India are here and have been invited is evidence and confirmation of the continuing neighborhood first policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also confirmation that Bhutan as a neighbor matters to him and his government.

WION: We saw the Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi his last visit in the second term was to Bhutan. How do you use the this special relationship between the two countries

Tshering Tobgay: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad during his first tenure as prime minister was to Bhutan. His last visit in his second tenure as prime minister was also to Bhutan. And, and therefore, this evidence that the relations between our two countries are not just strong but are growing. On Bhutan side, His Majesty the King has visited India several times and has contributed towards the strengthening of the ties between our two countries. So, the way I see it is,&nbsp;even during the third tenure of Prime Minister Modi as prime minister of India, our relations, the relations between Bhutan and India are going to grow from strength to strength.

WION: There are several pillars to this relationship; one has been connectivity. We recently saw the announcement. In fact, it happened last year on railway connectivity. If you can give the current situation as to where Railway connectivity has reached and other areas of connectivity, which we are looking at between India and Bhutan.

Tshering Tobgay: Our primary connectivity is road and most of the highways connecting India to Bhutan are good quality and have improved over the last five years. And then we have air connectivity to Bhutan, from India. And we are looking forward to connectivity not just to the existing international airport in Paro but also to the New International Airport in Gelephu, in what is being developed as a Gelephu&nbsp;mindfulness city by His Majesty the King. The third form of&nbsp;connectivity is IT, data connectivity and we are well connected to India. And we are now on the final stages of finalizing a gateway through another part of India,&nbsp;the eastern part of India. The final connectivity was what you mentioned the rail connectivity and we are working with the Indian railway authorities to finalize this connectivity also. The government of India and Prime Minister Modi have kindly agreed to connecting Bhutan with the Indian rail network.

WION:&nbsp; You mentioned Gelephu. The big announcement on Gelephu&nbsp;is something that was closely watched here in India as well. What's the rationale behind this city? And where do you see India's role in supporting the development of the city?&nbsp;

Tshering Tobgay:&nbsp;Well, the Gelephu&nbsp;mindfulness city is the vision of His Majesty the King, to take Bhutan forward, economically forward, and this is something that the vision of His Majesty is being very, very carefully implemented already.&nbsp;As far as India is concerned, the government at the highest level is rendering the fullest support to the realization of the vision of the Gelephu mindfulness city.&nbsp;And many businesses have expressed interest in investing in the development and operation in the city, once the city starts operations.

Watch interview here:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-invite-is-testimony-to-indias-neighbourhood-first-policy-bhutan-pm-to-wion-730273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

WION: There are&nbsp;several other elements of the relationship as well, in terms of capacity building , space.

Tshering Tobgay: Well in terms of capacity building, particularly human resource development, we many students come here and study. We have many civil servants and public servants training in India, to increase capacities in India. We've been enjoying a very close relationship in terms of developing Space Technology also within there.

WION: In terms of the BBIN, what's the progress like, what's the update like?

Tshering Tobgay:&nbsp;BBIN is an exciting project among Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and India. We have to be mindful because Bhutan is the smallest country, we have barely seven lakh people and we are engaged with some of the densest, most densely populated areas in the world. So our people are very cautious, but overall BBIN&nbsp;and overall BBIN is a very good concept and we look forward to engaging more actively in it. In terms of BBIN for transport, our people are a bit concerned.&nbsp;

WION: What are the concerns like?

Tshering Tobgay:&nbsp;The concern is simply because we are surrounded by very densely populated people, which require a lot of transport, whereas in Bhutan, we have very few people and very few vehicles. And as a result, our people have been concerned that we will be overwhelmed by our neighbors, which are Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

WION: Tourism is a mainstay of your economy. For Indian tourists and globally as well there is a certain amount that they need to give. Do you think that is seen as a trade barrier, as well for many Indian tourists as well traveling to your countries

Tshering Tobgay: It is not a trade barrier. It's the&nbsp;only way, the only practical way we can implement our policy of high value, low volume.

WION:&nbsp;Let's speak about other neighbors as well since you are here in Delhi where other of your neighbors including Nepal and Bangladesh are also present. We saw the King visiting Bangladesh as well. How do you see the relationship progressing? Any other specific elements are we looking especially with Bangladesh, support to the Gelephu mindful project.&nbsp;

Tshering Tobgay:&nbsp;We enjoy very good relations with Bangladesh. And yes, they are very supportive of the mindfulness city project.&nbsp;With Nepal also we have very good relations.&nbsp;

WION: Let's go to the international aspect. How do you think that the conflicts the conflicts in Europe, the Russia, Ukraine conflict and in West Asia, the Gaza and Israel conflict impacts countries like Bhutan

Tshering Tobgay: Most of our trade is with India and given that these conflicts have not significantly impacted the situation in India and&nbsp;it has not impacted the situation in India because of India's leadership. As a result, we in Bhutan have not really been impacted.&nbsp;

WION: I believe naturally there will be a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, what kind of conversation are you looking at?&nbsp;

Tshering Tobgay:&nbsp;Well, we've requested a bilateral meeting. And I will certainly congratulate Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, I would look forward to working closely with him in furthering the relationship between our two countries and&nbsp;we may discuss a few other initiatives that are happening between the two countries.

WION: Climate change impacts countries like Bhutan. What is your sense, essentially, where the world is going on the climate change front?&nbsp;

Tshering Tobgay:&nbsp;You're going the wrong direction, and it is getting more and more dangerous.&nbsp;

WION: And can you explain the view of Bhutan, the happiness index is something that's my last question, that the world is really at odds. If you can explain to our viewers how you define happiness and growth together which is unique to Bhutan.

Tshering Tobgay: The world is not at odds with happiness. Everyone aspires for happiness. Of course how you define happiness is a different matter. In Bhutan, because of the enlightened leadership of our Kings, we've implemented a development philosophy , that we call cross national happiness, and simply put, it puts the happiness and well being of the people at the center of the development agenda.&nbsp;Gross National Happiness balances economic growth, which is important, undeniably important, but balancing that with environmental sustainability, social progress, cultural preservation and good governance.&nbsp;

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who is in Delhi for the oath taking ceremony of Narender Modi, has highlighted the robust ties between his country and India.

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who is in Delhi for the oath taking ceremony of Narender Modi, has highlighted the robust ties between his country and India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, PM Tobgay emphasized the significance of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and noted the presence and invitation of many of India's neighboring countries at the oath taking ceremony. "The fact that many of the neighbors of India are here and have been invited is evidence and confirmation of the continuing neighborhood first policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," PM Tobgay remarked. "It also confirms that Bhutan, as a neighbor, matters to him and his government." Leaders of 7 countries, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal were invited for the oath taking ceremony. PM Tobgay expressed optimism about the future of Bhutan-India relations, projecting strengthening of bilateral ties during PM Modi's third tenure. "Even during the third tenure of Prime Minister Modi as prime minister of India, our relations, the relations between Bhutan and India, are going to grow from strength to strength," he asserted. Here's the full interview: WION: Participation at the oath taking ceremony, how do you see Bhutan being invited for the 3rd time? Tshering Tobgay: Delighted to be here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji was very kind in inviting me here and I'm delighted to be here to represent my King and people to offer our congratulations in person and to take part in the oath taking ceremony. The fact that many of the neighbors of India are here and have been invited is evidence and confirmation of the continuing neighborhood first policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also confirmation that Bhutan as a neighbor matters to him and his government. WION: We saw the Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi his last visit in the second term was to Bhutan. How do you use the this special relationship between the two countries Tshering Tobgay: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad during his first tenure as prime minister was to Bhutan. His last visit in his second tenure as prime minister was also to Bhutan. And, and therefore, this evidence that the relations between our two countries are not just strong but are growing. On Bhutan side, His Majesty the King has visited India several times and has contributed towards the strengthening of the ties between our two countries. So, the way I see it is, even during the third tenure of Prime Minister Modi as prime minister of India, our relations, the relations between Bhutan and India are going to grow from strength to strength. WION: There are several pillars to this relationship; one has been connectivity. We recently saw the announcement. In fact, it happened last year on railway connectivity. If you can give the current situation as to where Railway connectivity has reached and other areas of connectivity, which we are looking at between India and Bhutan. Tshering Tobgay: Our primary connectivity is road and most of the highways connecting India to Bhutan are good quality and have improved over the last five years. And then we have air connectivity to Bhutan, from India. And we are looking forward to connectivity not just to the existing international airport in Paro but also to the New International Airport in Gelephu, in what is being developed as a Gelephu mindfulness city by His Majesty the King. The third form of connectivity is IT, data connectivity and we are well connected to India. And we are now on the final stages of finalizing a gateway through another part of India, the eastern part of India. The final connectivity was what you mentioned the rail connectivity and we are working with the Indian railway authorities to finalize this connectivity also. The government of India and Prime Minister Modi have kindly agreed to connecting Bhutan with the Indian rail network. WION: You mentioned Gelephu. The big announcement on Gelephu is something that was closely watched here in India as well. What's the rationale behind this city? And where do you see India's role in supporting the development of the city? Tshering Tobgay: Well, the Gelephu mindfulness city is the vision of His Majesty the King, to take Bhutan forward, economically forward, and this is something that the vision of His Majesty is being very, very carefully implemented already. As far as India is concerned, the government at the highest level is rendering the fullest support to the realization of the vision of the Gelephu mindfulness city. And many businesses have expressed interest in investing in the development and operation in the city, once the city starts operations. Watch interview here: × WION: There are several other elements of the relationship as well, in terms of capacity building , space. Tshering Tobgay: Well in terms of capacity building, particularly human resource development, we many students come here and study. We have many civil servants and public servants training in India, to increase capacities in India. We've been enjoying a very close relationship in terms of developing Space Technology also within there. WION: In terms of the BBIN, what's the progress like, what's the update like? Tshering Tobgay: BBIN is an exciting project among Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and India. We have to be mindful because Bhutan is the smallest country, we have barely seven lakh people and we are engaged with some of the densest, most densely populated areas in the world. So our people are very cautious, but overall BBIN and overall BBIN is a very good concept and we look forward to engaging more actively in it. In terms of BBIN for transport, our people are a bit concerned. WION: What are the concerns like? Tshering Tobgay: The concern is simply because we are surrounded by very densely populated people, which require a lot of transport, whereas in Bhutan, we have very few people and very few vehicles. And as a result, our people have been concerned that we will be overwhelmed by our neighbors, which are Bangladesh, India and Nepal. WION: Tourism is a mainstay of your economy. For Indian tourists and globally as well there is a certain amount that they need to give. Do you think that is seen as a trade barrier, as well for many Indian tourists as well traveling to your countries Tshering Tobgay: It is not a trade barrier. It's the only way, the only practical way we can implement our policy of high value, low volume. WION: Let's speak about other neighbors as well since you are here in Delhi where other of your neighbors including Nepal and Bangladesh are also present. We saw the King visiting Bangladesh as well. How do you see the relationship progressing? Any other specific elements are we looking especially with Bangladesh, support to the Gelephu mindful project. Tshering Tobgay: We enjoy very good relations with Bangladesh. And yes, they are very supportive of the mindfulness city project. With Nepal also we have very good relations. WION: Let's go to the international aspect. How do you think that the conflicts the conflicts in Europe, the Russia, Ukraine conflict and in West Asia, the Gaza and Israel conflict impacts countries like Bhutan Tshering Tobgay: Most of our trade is with India and given that these conflicts have not significantly impacted the situation in India and it has not impacted the situation in India because of India's leadership. As a result, we in Bhutan have not really been impacted. WION: I believe naturally there will be a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, what kind of conversation are you looking at? Tshering Tobgay: Well, we've requested a bilateral meeting. And I will certainly congratulate Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, I would look forward to working closely with him in furthering the relationship between our two countries and we may discuss a few other initiatives that are happening between the two countries. WION: Climate change impacts countries like Bhutan. What is your sense, essentially, where the world is going on the climate change front? Tshering Tobgay: You're going the wrong direction, and it is getting more and more dangerous. WION: And can you explain the view of Bhutan, the happiness index is something that's my last question, that the world is really at odds. If you can explain to our viewers how you define happiness and growth together which is unique to Bhutan. Tshering Tobgay: The world is not at odds with happiness. Everyone aspires for happiness. Of course how you define happiness is a different matter. In Bhutan, because of the enlightened leadership of our Kings, we've implemented a development philosophy , that we call cross national happiness, and simply put, it puts the happiness and well being of the people at the center of the development agenda. Gross National Happiness balances economic growth, which is important, undeniably important, but balancing that with environmental sustainability, social progress, cultural preservation and good governance.

India-Bhutan ties to grow under PM Modi's 3rd term: Bhutan PM Tobgay

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shares insights with WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibal during their conversation. Tshering Tobgay talks about India-Bhutan's upcoming projects. Bhutan PM is in New Delhi to attend PM Modi's oath taking ceremony. Watch in for more details!

PM Modi's invite is testimony to India's neighbourhood first policy: Bhutan PM to WION |

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 14) in New Delhi, during Tobgay's five-day visit to India.

The discussions between the two leaders focused on key bilateral matters, as highlighted by Modi on X.

With Bhutan being a nation with a population of fewer than 800,000 people, it maintains strong economic and trade ties with its southern neighbour India, which serves as its largest donor and economic partner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu4vKSnvSEAxWrcfUHHSp7DboQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3n-6JELMFgtW-NprEtzB2w&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293" target="_blank">Indian PM Modi likely to visit&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;later this month</a>

This marks the inaugural foreign visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister, who took office in January 2024.

“Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week,” PM Modi posted on X.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan <a href="https://twitter.com/tsheringtobgay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tsheringtobgay</a> on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> for inviting… <a href="https://t.co/Ab7wXH2TVt">pic.twitter.com/Ab7wXH2TVt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1768289000765132923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Welcoming the Bhutanese PM, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that his visit underscores the strong friendship between the two nations.

"Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan," Jaiswal expressed in a post on X.

The visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister presents an opportunity for both sides to evaluate the progress in their distinctive partnership and to explore avenues for further strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bhutan-pm-wins-elections-overshadowed-by-economic-strife-678315" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bhutan-pm-wins-elections-overshadowed-by-economic-strife-678315&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu4vKSnvSEAxWrcfUHHSp7DboQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Gbpwws2n9ZfRTchIC3UJQ&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bhutan-pm-wins-elections-overshadowed-by-economic-strife-678315" target="_blank">Former&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;PM wins elections overshadowed by economic strife</a>

Prime Minister Modi embarked on his inaugural foreign visit to Bhutan following his victory in the 2014 election. Subsequently, he conducted a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, following his re-election.

In September 2022, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited India and held discussions with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar.

In April 2023, India welcomed the visit of the King of Bhutan. During the&nbsp;visit, both nations issued a Joint Statement titled “A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership.” The&nbsp;statement reaffirmed the robustness of the distinctive ties between the two countries and delineated specific domains to bolster the India-Bhutan partnership.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 14) in New Delhi, during Tobgay's five-day visit to India.

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 14) in New Delhi, during Tobgay's five-day visit to India. The discussions between the two leaders focused on key bilateral matters, as highlighted by Modi on X. With Bhutan being a nation with a population of fewer than 800,000 people, it maintains strong economic and trade ties with its southern neighbour India, which serves as its largest donor and economic partner. Also read: Indian PM Modi likely to visit Bhutan later this month This marks the inaugural foreign visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister, who took office in January 2024. “Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week,” PM Modi posted on X. Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting… pic.twitter.com/Ab7wXH2TVt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2024 × Welcoming the Bhutanese PM, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that his visit underscores the strong friendship between the two nations. "Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan," Jaiswal expressed in a post on X. The visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister presents an opportunity for both sides to evaluate the progress in their distinctive partnership and to explore avenues for further strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Also read: Former Bhutan PM wins elections overshadowed by economic strife Prime Minister Modi embarked on his inaugural foreign visit to Bhutan following his victory in the 2014 election. Subsequently, he conducted a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, following his re-election. In September 2022, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited India and held discussions with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar. In April 2023, India welcomed the visit of the King of Bhutan. During the visit, both nations issued a Joint Statement titled “A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership.” The statement reaffirmed the robustness of the distinctive ties between the two countries and delineated specific domains to bolster the India-Bhutan partnership. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay meets India's Modi, discusses bilateral issues

A liberal People's Democratic Party (PDP) led by former prime minister Tshering Tobgay is set to form a new government in Bhutan after winning its fourth free vote since democratic elections began 15 years ago.

Bhutan Elections 2024: People's Democratic Party wins in Bhutan parliamentary elections

Bhutan Elections 2024: Tshering Tobgay set to become PM again

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

The party of Bhutan's former prime minister Tshering Tobgay won general elections with nearly two-thirds of seats in parliament, local media reported Tuesday, based on preliminary results from each constituency. Tobgay's People's Democratic Party (PDP) "wins the 2024 National Assembly general elections with 30 seats" while the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) took the remaining 17, The Bhutanese newspaper reported.

Tshering Tobgay's PDP wins two-thirds of seats in Bhutan parliamentary polls

Former Indian diplomat NN Jha hailed the recent Bhutan general elections and congratulated centre-left Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) party for their victory, saying that the party is committed to friendship with India.

The DNT, which was formed in 2013, swept the polls, garnering at least 30 seats, with royalist Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) winning the remaining 17 in the 47-member lower house of the Bhutan Parliament.

"This party is committed to friendship with India and continuing our close ties with Bhutan. The political parties of both India and Bhutan want to have a good relationship with each other. However, we need to keep in mind about the Chinese presence, not only across the border, but in Bhutan as well. Otherwise, there is nothing to worry about," Jha told ANI.

Echoing similar sentiments, former Foreign Secretary Salman Haider said that the ties between New Delhi and Thimphu are very strong and will continue to flourish. He also lauded the recent general elections that took place in the tiny Himalayan nation.

"We respect Bhutan's democratic processes. The people have demonstrated their (voting) rights. It is a major step in Bhutan's revolution as a democratic country. The friendship between India and Bhutan is very strong and well-established and it will continue to flourish," he told ANI.

Bhutan went to polls earlier on Thursday. Both the DNT and DPT fielded 47 candidates each in the final round in a bid to lead the young democracy for the next five years. The tiny Himalayan nation transitioned from a century-old monarchy to democracy in 2008.

DNT President Lotay Tshering, who joined politics in 2013, is set to take office as the new Prime Minister of Bhutan.

In a telephonic conversation on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended good wishes to Tshering on his party's victory and welcomed the successful conduct of general elections. He conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to further strengthening the unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding. The Prime Minister also invited Tshering to visit India.

Tshering thanked Prime Minister Modi for his greetings and good wishes and accepted the invitation to visit India at the earliest opportunity. The two leaders also agreed to take forward the unique and multifaceted bilateral co-operation to new heights for the benefit of the people of Bhutan and India.

According to the Buddhist country's constitution, only two parties with highest votes in the primary round qualify for the final round. A voter turnout of over 70 per cent was recorded in the general elections, as per the country's election commission.

The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay faced a drubbing in the round held in September and got ousted from the contest.

Former Indian diplomat NN Jha hailed the recent Bhutan general elections and congratulated centre-left Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) party for their victory, saying that the party is committed to friendship with India.

Former Indian diplomat NN Jha hailed the recent Bhutan general elections and congratulated centre-left Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) party for their victory, saying that the party is committed to friendship with India. The DNT, which was formed in 2013, swept the polls, garnering at least 30 seats, with royalist Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) winning the remaining 17 in the 47-member lower house of the Bhutan Parliament. "This party is committed to friendship with India and continuing our close ties with Bhutan. The political parties of both India and Bhutan want to have a good relationship with each other. However, we need to keep in mind about the Chinese presence, not only across the border, but in Bhutan as well. Otherwise, there is nothing to worry about," Jha told ANI. Echoing similar sentiments, former Foreign Secretary Salman Haider said that the ties between New Delhi and Thimphu are very strong and will continue to flourish. He also lauded the recent general elections that took place in the tiny Himalayan nation. "We respect Bhutan's democratic processes. The people have demonstrated their (voting) rights. It is a major step in Bhutan's revolution as a democratic country. The friendship between India and Bhutan is very strong and well-established and it will continue to flourish," he told ANI. Bhutan went to polls earlier on Thursday. Both the DNT and DPT fielded 47 candidates each in the final round in a bid to lead the young democracy for the next five years. The tiny Himalayan nation transitioned from a century-old monarchy to democracy in 2008. DNT President Lotay Tshering, who joined politics in 2013, is set to take office as the new Prime Minister of Bhutan. In a telephonic conversation on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended good wishes to Tshering on his party's victory and welcomed the successful conduct of general elections. He conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to further strengthening the unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding. The Prime Minister also invited Tshering to visit India. Tshering thanked Prime Minister Modi for his greetings and good wishes and accepted the invitation to visit India at the earliest opportunity. The two leaders also agreed to take forward the unique and multifaceted bilateral co-operation to new heights for the benefit of the people of Bhutan and India. According to the Buddhist country's constitution, only two parties with highest votes in the primary round qualify for the final round. A voter turnout of over 70 per cent was recorded in the general elections, as per the country's election commission. The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay faced a drubbing in the round held in September and got ousted from the contest.

Bhutan's DNT party committed to friendly ties with India

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) is set to win National Assembly elections in Bhutan.

The centre-left party's mandate was to have better relations with India before going to polls for the 47-member lower house of the Parliament.

Provisional results show the DNT winning at least 30 seats, with royalist Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) leading on remaining 17.

The tiny Himalayan nation went to polls earlier on Thursday.

Both the DNT and DPT fielded 47 candidates each in the final round in a bid to lead the young democracy for the next five years.

Bhutan transitioned from a century-old monarchy to democracy in 2008.

According to the Buddhist country's constitution, only two parties with highest votes in the primary round qualify for the final round.

The ruling People's Democratic Party of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay faced a drubbing in the round held in September and got ousted from the contest.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) is set to win National Assembly elections in Bhutan. The centre-left party's mandate was to have better relations with India before going to polls for the 47-member lower house of the Parliament.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) is set to win National Assembly elections in Bhutan. The centre-left party's mandate was to have better relations with India before going to polls for the 47-member lower house of the Parliament. Provisional results show the DNT winning at least 30 seats, with royalist Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) leading on remaining 17. The tiny Himalayan nation went to polls earlier on Thursday. Both the DNT and DPT fielded 47 candidates each in the final round in a bid to lead the young democracy for the next five years. Bhutan transitioned from a century-old monarchy to democracy in 2008. According to the Buddhist country's constitution, only two parties with highest votes in the primary round qualify for the final round. The ruling People's Democratic Party of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay faced a drubbing in the round held in September and got ousted from the contest.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa party set to win Bhutan elections

tshering-tobgay

Tshering Tobgay, News on Tshering Tobgay, stories on Tshering Tobgay, articles on Tshering Tobgay, Tshering Tobgay stories at Wion, Tshering Tobgay news, Tshering Tobgay latest news

tshering tobgay