Bhutan King’s three-day visit to India was an occasion to review and reinforce bilateral relations.

Signalling an important milestone in their close relations, India and Bhutan held the first summit after the Doklam crisis as Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk began a three-day visit to India.
While China dominated the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Wangchuk, there was also an intensive discussion on India’s assistance to Bhutan’s development, particularly the hydroelectric sector, times of India reported quoting sources. Bhutan’s development plans have run into some difficulties  after India demonetized its currency and with rupee shortage.

President Ramnath Kovind told King Wangchuck that the security concerns of India and Bhutan are “indivisible” and “mutual”

“His Majesty the King conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the Government of India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development,” a foreign office statement said.

Both sides agreed to celebrate in the year 2018 the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in a befitting manner.  President Ramnath Kovind extended an invitation to the King and Queen of Bhutan, to pay a State visit to India during the golden jubilee year. King Wangchuk accepted the invitation. He expressed his deep appreciation for Bhutan’s support to India in resolving the Doklam standoff.

The manner in which both India and Bhutan stood together to address the situation in Doklam “is a clear testimony to our friendship”, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said. The President added that the security concerns of India and Bhutan are indivisible and mutual.
President conveyed “deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”.  Kovind  said India and Bhutan share exemplary bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi hosted the royal couple at dinner on Wednesday; the cynosure of all eyes was little royal, the Gyalsey, Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk who at one year and a few months is on his first state visit.   The President presented the young prince a gift of chocolates.