The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has commenced an official 8-day visit to India, starting today in Assam. He was warmly received at the Guwahati airport by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. King Wangchuck is accompanied by senior officials from Bhutan’s royal government.
Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his excitement about welcoming King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, stating, “On behalf of the people of Assam, I am delighted to welcome His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. Under the guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, we eagerly anticipate strengthening the special relationship between our two nations.”
The Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, also extended a warm welcome to the Bhutanese King on his first official visit to Assam, emphasizing that he was greeted by CM Himanta Biswa at the Guwahati airport.
During his visit, the Bhutanese King will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior Indian government officials will have the opportunity to engage with King Wangchuck. The Bhutanese King is also scheduled to travel to Maharashtra as part of his visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official statement, highlighted the unique and strong friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, characterized by mutual trust and understanding. The visit offers an opportunity for both countries to review their broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation and further enhance their exemplary partnership in various sectors.
In April of the same year, King Wangchuck visited India, where he met with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During the meeting on April 5, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra announced that the two countries were considering establishing the first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border.
Addressing questions regarding Bhutan’s stance on the boundary issue with China, Kwatra emphasized that India and Bhutan maintain close coordination on shared national interests, including security concerns. The longstanding tradition of close consultations between the two countries regarding mutual interests and security remains evident.
