New Delhi: Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuk is set to commence his 3-day trip to India from today.
During the king’s visit, both sides will review the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and further advance the bilateral partnership.
The Bhutan king will be accompanied by Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji and other senior officials, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The visit of King Jigme Wangchuk will give both India and Bhutan a chance to evaluate the whole range of bilateral cooperation as the two countries have special friendship and cooperation which is defined by mutual trust and understanding.
The Bhutan King’s visit comes at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.
His visit is in keeping with the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and during his visit, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and senior officials will also call on the King of Bhutan.
India has long been Bhutan’s top trading partner and continues to be the primary source of investments there.
In November 2021, the Indian government formalised the opening of seven new trade routes for Bhutan’s bilateral and transit trade with India, new market access was provided for allowing the formal export of 12 agri-products from Bhutan to India, and various special exceptions/quotas for export are also provided.
India has been extending economic assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic development since the early 1960s when Bhutan launched its Five Year Plans.
For the 12th Five Year Plan, India assisted Bhutan with ₹ 4500 crore for various multi-sectoral project-tied assistance, small development projects, Direct Budgetary Support, etc.
In line with our ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, new market access has been opened for five agri-commodities from Bhutan to India (Areca nut, Mandarin, Apple, Potato, and Ginger), and three commodities from India to Bhutan (Tomato, Onion, and Okra).
