Bhutan PM

Bhutan PM on visit to India

30082013

Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, will arrive in India on Friday and meet the top Indian leadership during which key bilateral issues like financial assistance for the Himalayan nation will be discussed.

“During the visit, all areas of mutual interest including our political, security, developmental, economic and cultural cooperation, will be discussed,” Ministry of External Affairs said.

During his six-day visit, he will hold comprehensive talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and senior union cabinet ministers including External Affairs, Finance and Home will call on the visiting dignitary.

The visit comes at a time when India is considering Bhutan government’s proposal for financial assistance of Rs 4,500 crore under 11th Plan apart from a demand of Rs 800 crore to meet their cash crunch for small developmental projects.

Bhutan had given the presentation on their proposal last week during the visit of the Indian Plan team led by Special Secretary of Development Partnership Administration P S Raghavan in the MEA.

According to sources, the government is considering the Bhutanese proposal and also the accountability aspect of it.

Tobgay will be accompanied by his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, Foreign Minister Lyonpo Rinzin Dorje, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

“The visit is in conformity with the tradition of regular exchange of visits at the highest levels between India and Bhutan, and adds momentum to our time-tested and enduring relations,” the MEA said.

This is the first overseas visit by Prime Minister Tobgay after being elected Prime Minister, following the second democratic elections in Bhutan in July.

He will have a joint meeting with business chambers Assocham, FICCI and CII and will also travel to Hyderabad on 3rd September, 2013 where he will visit the CII Green Business Centre and the IT Park at Madhapur.