Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar in Bhutan on first overseas visit

On his first visit as External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar calls on Bhutan’s PM Dr. Lotay Tshering and Foreign Minister of Bhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji; Leaders discuss issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Bhutan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector. Jaishankar is in the Buddhist kingdom on a two-day visit, his first overseas trip after assuming charge of the Ministry of External Affairs.He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings during his talks with Prime Minister Tshering.

Jaishankar later tweeted and said: “It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership”.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Tshering also appreciated Jaishankar’s visit to Bhutan soon after assuming the office. He also tweeted: “H.E. @DrSJaishankar, Minister for External Affairs of India called on Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering. Lyonchhen welcomed and expressed his appreciation for visiting Bhutan soon after assuming the post of External Affairs Minister,” the Bhutanese Prime Minister said in a tweet.

Bhutan has been a close ally of India and bilateral ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years.

Bhutan was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first overseas visit after assuming charge in 2014.