Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is set to embark on an eight-day official visit to India on Friday, confirmed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA highlighted that the upcoming visit presents a big opportunity for both nations to comprehensively assess their bilateral cooperation and enhance their close partnership. This will be Wangchuk's second visit to India this year.


During the visit, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, the two are expected to discuss various dimensions of the close ties between India and Bhutan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with senior government officials, is slated to extend their courtesy to the Bhutanese monarch, the MEA said on Thursday.


Accompanied by senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's official visit to India will span from November 3 to 10, according to the MEA statement. As part of the itinerary, the Bhutanese King will also visit the Indian states of Assam and Maharashtra.


India and Bhutan maintain a distinctive bond of friendship and cooperation, characterized by a foundation of understanding and mutual trust. The visit is poised to offer a platform for both nations to comprehensively review the entire spectrum of their bilateral cooperation and further strengthen their exemplary partnership across diverse sectors.


Earlier in April, Wangchuk made a three-day visit to India. During that visit, he held discussions on security, trade, and various other issues. India, at that time, had reaffirmed its stance on the tri-junction border (India, Bhutan, China) matter. Back then, India extended a “standby” credit facility, over the existing two, upon Bhutan’s request.


Following the Kings visit in April, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden visited India in July for two days at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. The two Foreign Secretaries reviewed bilateral cooperation. In August again, the two met to discuss bilateral issues of mutual interest.


In January this year, Kwatra visited Paro in Bhutan to co-chair the 4th India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks with Choden.