Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has embarked on an eight-day official visit to India amid Beijing's drive for diplomatic ties with Thimphu and fresh efforts by Bhutan and China to resolve their boundary issue. Among those attending the royal visit will be Queen Jetsun Pema and the couple's two sons.
India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterised by understanding and mutual trust, said the government in a statement.
A Bhutanese foreign minister visited Beijing last month, raising concerns in New Delhi over Thimphu's apparent attempts to open up to China. The King's visit, during which he will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being viewed as a "reassuring" gesture by Bhutan to India.
“The visit will provide an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the exemplary bilateral partnership, across diverse sectors,” the government said. Bhutan is said to have assured India that it will be mindful of New Delhi’s interests in case of any border deal with China.
King Wangchuck’s visit comes close on the heels of a rare visit to China last month by Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji, during which both countries held the 25th round of their boundary talks after a gap of seven years and expressed interest in demarcating the boundary soon.