Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to visit India from April 3

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be visiting India from April 3 to April 5, 2023.

"The visit of His Majesty the King of Bhutan is in keeping with the long standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries," India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday (April 1, 2023).

The visit is at the invitation President Droupadi Murmu. The Bhutanese King will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and External TradeTandi Dorji, and other senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

During the visit, the King of Bhutan will meet with President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and senior officials will call on him during his stay in New Delhi.

The visit would provide an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development cooperation, the MEA pointed out.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by understanding and mutual trust. They have had close and cordial relations for decades and their relationship is based on shared cultural, historical, and religious ties that date back centuries.

The Treaty of Friendship, which was signed in 1949, defines India's ties with Bhutan. The agreement outlines the parameters of the two nations' collaboration and stipulates India's contribution to Bhutan's development. The treaty also guarantees Bhutan's independence and sovereignty, with India committed to protecting Bhutan's borders and interests.

India has been one of Bhutan's main development partners, contributing financial support and expertise to a number of development initiatives. Bhutan has benefited from Indian assistance in the fields of infrastructural development, renewable energy, health, and education.

Through several collaborative ventures between Indian and Bhutanese businesses, India has also had a considerable impact on the hydropower sector in Bhutan.