India will host the newly elected Prime Minister of Bhutan from December 27-29, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
A press release issued by the Ministry said that the visit by Dr. Lotay Tshering, 50, will take place to mark the golden jubilee of the diplomatic relations between Delhi and Thimphu.
“The upcoming visit of PM Tshering will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in our multifaceted partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation,” an MEA press release stated, announcing the visit of the PM who was sworn to office on November 7.
Dr Tshering, a well regarded surgeon in Bhutan, led his party Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa to victory in the October 18 election, in which the party won 30 of the 47 seats of the Bhutanese national assembly.
The latest election was the third since democracy was allowed in the Himalayan kingdom.
Dr. Tshering’s visit is expected to further firm up India-Bhutan ties as it is likely to witness sealing of important power projects to be implemented by both sides. Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji during his visit earlier this month told The Hindu that Thimphu will continue to have special ties with India and avoid establishing diplomatic ties with any of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.
“PM Tshering has said he would like to take India-Bhutan friendship to greater heights. His visit to India towards the end of the month will be his first call abroad, and we will hope to finalise India’s assistance for the 12th Five-Year Plan,” Mr. Dorji had told The Hindu during his visit.
Dr. Tshering will be accompanied by his senior ministerial colleagues during the trip.
