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Guwahati: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck receives a warm welcome from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Guwahati airport during his inaugural official visit to Assam on Friday.
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has embarked on an eight-day visit to India, commencing on Friday, November 3. This visit takes place amidst renewed efforts by Bhutan and China to resolve their long-standing border dispute.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced that this visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to review their comprehensive bilateral cooperation and strengthen their “exemplary” partnership. During the visit, the King will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He will also travel to Assam and Maharashtra.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation characterized by mutual understanding and trust.” This visit aims to further enhance their exemplary bilateral partnership across various sectors.
Bhutan’s King’s visit to India coincides with the recent progress in boundary discussions between Bhutan and China. Last week, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. According to a Chinese statement, Bhutan adheres to the one-China principle and is prepared to work with China to resolve the boundary issue and advance the establishment of diplomatic relations.
India has been closely monitoring the boundary negotiations between Bhutan and China, as it could have implications for New Delhi’s security interests, especially in the Doklam tri-junction area.
In August, China and Bhutan agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement a “three-step roadmap” to resolve their border dispute. In October 2021, Bhutan and China signed an agreement on this “three-step roadmap.” This agreement was reached four years after a standoff between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam tri-junction area. The Doklam standoff had raised concerns about the potential for a larger conflict between India and China. Bhutan had claimed the area as its own, and India supported Bhutan’s claim.
