Dr Lotay Tshering is Bhutan’s new Prime Minister

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) president Lotay Tshering.


Dr Lotay Tshering has become the new Prime Minister of Bhutan. His Majesty The King on Tuesday issued a Kasho announcing appointment of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa president, Dr Lotay Tshering, as the prime minister.

“In keeping with the Constitution, the prime minister will now submit a list of elected members from the party based on which His Majesty The King will appoint the ministers,” a press release from Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa stated.

The Prime Minister and the ministers are scheduled to receive Dakyen from His Majesty The King on November 7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier congratulated Lotay Tshering for his party winning the Bhutan elections and reiterated India’s commitment to work with the new governmentfor socio-economic transformation in that country.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa party won 30 of 47 national assembly seats in the third general election in Bhutan.

The PM also congratulated Tshering for his own election to the National Assembly, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

During his telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the successful conduct of general elections, which is an important milestone for consolidation of democracy in Bhutan.

PM Modi conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding.

Recalling the ongoing golden jubilee celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to work with the new government in Bhutan in its national efforts for socio-economic transformation, based on the priorities and interests of the people and the government of Bhutan, the statement said.

PM Modi extended an invitation to Lotay 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 agreed to take forward the unique and multifaceted bilateral cooperation to new heights for the benefit of the people of Bhutan and India, the statement said.

(With agency inputs)