Bhutan’s King Arrives In India, Holds Talks With Foreign Minister Jaishankar. In Pics

Jaishankar stated that the King's visit will further strengthen the close and unique partnership between India and Bhutan shortly after receiving him at the airport.

EAM Jaishankar receives Bhutan’s King at airport

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the airport on Monday to kick off his two-day trip to India. This demonstrates the significance that New Delhi places on the trip. Jaishankar called the visiting dignitary in the evening. "Deeply privileged to call on His Majesty the King of Bhutan today evening. His Majesty's vision for Bhutan's future and for strengthening the unique partnership with India is deeply appreciated," the external affairs minister tweeted.

Jaishankar stated that the King's visit will further strengthen the close and unique partnership between India and Bhutan shortly after receiving him at the airport. "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in India. His visit will further strengthen the close and unique India-Bhutan partnership," he said.

The visiting dignitary was also greeted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "Warm welcome to India, Your Majesty! His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in India a short while ago. His Majesty was received by EAM @DrSJaishankar at the airport," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

Bhutan is a decisively significant country for India and the defence and security ties between the different sides have seen critical development over the most recent couple of years. In the wake of a 73-day standoff in 2017 at the Doklam tri-junction between Indian and Chinese troops, the strategic ties have seen a rise in recent years.

India's strategic interest is thought to lie in the Doklam plateau. China attempted to extend a road in an area that Bhutan claimed belonged to it in 2017, which sparked the conflict at the Doklam tri-junction in 2017.

China and Bhutan share a border that is more than 400 kilometers long, and the two countries have held over 24 rounds of boundary talks to try to settle the dispute.