Bhutan King accorded warm welcome in Delhi amidst stains in bilateral relationship

Kathamndu: Days after Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tsering’s statement on Doklam to India’s distaste, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has paid a two-day visit to Delhi.

King Wangchuck was received by External Affairs Minister S Jaiskhanker, at the Indira Gandhi International Airport which Indian media say was a ‘special gesture’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, discussing ways to enhancing bilateral engagement including security and economic cooperation. The royal visit attaches significance as Indian media, apparently reflect the government concern, have been critical of Bhutan’s changed stance on Doklam which is also being seen as China’s success to expand its influence over Bhutan.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering had recently said that Doklam dispute should be sorted out by ‘three countries’—India, China and Bhutan amicably, a stance that India says is different from earlier.

The Hindustan Times quoted Minister Jaishanker saying that King Wangchuck’s ‘vision for Bhutan’s future and for strengthening the unique partnership with India is deeply appreciated.