King of Bhutan Wangchuck Set to Visit India Today

New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan is set to land in India on Thursday for a two-day official engagement, where he will participate in discussions with Indian leadership to evaluate bilateral relations.

The King will be joined by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

This significant visit, concluding on Friday, highlights the profound ties and mutual respect that exist between these two neighboring nations, as stated in an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During this two-day visit, the King will have an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another significant moment in the ongoing high-level interactions between the countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior officials from the Indian administration are expected to meet with His Majesty. These discussions aim to bolster existing collaborations and identify new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, according to the press statement.

India and Bhutan enjoy a remarkable and exemplary relationship, rooted in mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.

The origins of this partnership trace back to 1949 when both nations signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was renewed in February 2007 to reflect the changing dynamics. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1968, further strengthening this lasting alliance.

A unique aspect of this bilateral relationship is the economic interdependence between the two nations. Approximately 50,000 Indian nationals are employed in Bhutan across various sectors such as construction, education, and infrastructure projects, with many daily workers crossing the border to work in Bhutan's border towns.

This integration showcases the depth of cooperation and shared prosperity between the countries.

The scope of collaboration has significantly broadened in recent years, extending beyond traditional areas like hydropower to include emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, and space technology.

Bhutan was the second nation to adopt the BHIM App, enhancing financial linkages, and India has been instrumental in supporting Bhutan's "Digital Drukyul" initiative, aimed at establishing a robust optical fiber network across all 20 districts.

Space cooperation is another promising avenue of partnership.

Following the visit of India's Prime Minister to Bhutan in 2019, the jointly developed "India-Bhutan SAT" was launched in November 2022.

This initiative, along with other technological collaborations, emphasizes the progressive nature of their bilateral relationship.

In the field of education, India continues to aid Bhutan in addressing the shortage of STEM teachers, thereby enhancing the country's human resource capacities.

The King's visit offers a chance to review and advance these initiatives, further solidifying the enduring friendship and exploring new avenues of collaboration between India and Bhutan.