At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will leave today on a three-day official visit to New Delhi, India.

Finance minister Namgay Dorji and senior officials are accompanying the prime minister, a press release from the foreign ministry states.

During the visit, Lyonchhen will call on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and hold discussions with Prime Minister of India. Several Indian Cabinet Ministers and senior officials are also expected to call on Lyonchhen during the visit.

During the meetings with the Indian leaders, the press release states that Lyonchhen will convey deep appreciation of the people and the government for the generous assistance provided by the people and Government of India for Bhutan’s 1lth Five Year Plan, which began in 2013 and concluded last month.

Lyonchhen will discuss other areas of mutual interests and cooperation, and the Government of India’s assistance to Bhutan’s 12th Plan.

The visit is taking place in the tradition of regular high-level exchange of visits between India and Bhutan.

It is also being undertaken as one of the important high-level exchange of visits as part of the ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India. “Lyonchhen’s visit will go a long way in further strengthening the special bonds of friendship and understanding between the two countries,” the press release states.

Tshering Palden