India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Bhutan on Wednesday for a two-day official visit focused on bilateral cooperation and high-level engagement. His schedule includes talks with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, a royal audience and a meeting with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay…reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Bhutan on Wednesday, where he was warmly received at the airport by Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel.
The visit is aimed at further deepening long-standing ties between India and Bhutan, with the External Affairs Minister scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dhungyel during his stay.
Jaishankar is also scheduled to receive a royal audience with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and call on Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
“Kuzuzangpo la Bhutan! Delighted to arrive in Paro today. Thank Lyonpo D. N Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, for the warm welcome. Look forward to my engagements to advance our unique ties of friendship,” Jaishankar posted on X.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.
“The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, and to further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” the MEA said.
The ministry said the visit comes against the backdrop of continued high-level and institutional engagement between the two countries. Cooperation spans diplomatic, developmental and people-centric initiatives.
Jaishankar’s meetings with Bhutanese leaders are expected to provide an opportunity to review the bilateral relationship and discuss areas of continued cooperation.
The visit also follows a separate high-level engagement between the two countries earlier this week, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar visiting Bhutan.
Kumar called on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu on Monday at the beginning of his three-day visit to Bhutan.
According to an official statement, the CEC’s visit is aimed at further strengthening institutional cooperation between the Election Commission of India and the Election Commission of Bhutan, building on their continued engagement.
A key engagement during Kumar’s visit was the celebration of Bhutan’s National Voters’ Day at the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law in Paro on Tuesday.
The two visits form part of the continued institutional and high-level engagement between India and Bhutan, with Jaishankar’s meetings providing a separate opportunity for discussions between the two governments.
Jaishankar’s arrival in Paro marks the beginning of his scheduled engagements with Bhutanese leadership. His talks with Dhungyel and meetings with the King and Prime Minister are expected to focus on the existing relationship and areas of cooperation.
The External Affairs Minister’s visit comes as both countries continue their regular diplomatic exchanges, with the MEA highlighting the importance of strengthening friendship and cooperation.
Jaishankar is scheduled to complete his two-day official visit after his engagements with Bhutanese leaders.
The visit is part of the established pattern of high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, according to the MEA.
The External Affairs Minister’s programme includes bilateral talks with Dhungyel, a royal audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and a call on Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
The meetings are expected to provide an opportunity for India and Bhutan to review their bilateral relationship and discuss areas of continued cooperation.
The visit follows Kumar’s three-day engagement in Bhutan, which included the National Voters’ Day celebration in Paro.
The MEA said Jaishankar’s visit would further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The External Affairs Minister arrived in Paro on Wednesday and is scheduled to hold the bilateral talks and other engagements during his two-day stay.
The visit is aimed at further deepening bilateral cooperation and maintaining regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.
