Indian foreign minister visits Bhutan

In his first foreign visit on taking the reign of Foreign Affairs of India, Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankhar travelled to Bhutan symbolising the importance India gives to relation with Bhutan.

During the one-day visit on Friday, Jaishankar met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and said the special bilateral friendship has always benefited from the enlightened guidance of the head of state of the Himalayan nation.

“Honoured to have had an audience with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The special friendship between India and Bhutan has always benefited from the enlightened guidance of the Druk Gyalpos (the head of state of Bhutan),” Jaishankar tweeted.

“It was a privilege to also meet Her Majesty the ever gracious Gyaltsuen, and especially delightful to interact with the Druk Gyalsey!”

Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering also had one-to-one with the Indian foreign minister where they discussed important elements of the bilateral ties. Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji also met his Indian counterpart and discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower.

Jaishankhar returned on Saturday.

Bhutan has been a close ally of India and bilateral ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years. Bhutan was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first overseas visit after assuming charge in 2014.