December 5, 2024: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to India, aimed at bolstering the strong and enduring relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The royal couple was welcomed by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, at the airport. Expressing his pleasure over the visit, Jaishankar took to X (formerly Twitter) to say, “Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today. His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship.”

Accompanying the King and Queen were senior Bhutanese government officials, underscoring the significance of the visit. Bhutan’s royal family is set to hold meetings with Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their brief stay.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit will provide an opportunity for both nations to review the full spectrum of their bilateral cooperation. The two countries share a long-standing relationship characterized by mutual respect, trust, and cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.

The MEA also highlighted that the visit is expected to further advance this exemplary partnership, cementing the trust that has been the foundation of India-Bhutan ties. The visit comes after Bhutan's Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, recently praised India as a key pillar of support for Bhutan, describing India’s role as an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations, particularly through their shared values.

This royal visit reaffirms the close, friendly ties that India and Bhutan have enjoyed for decades, with both nations looking to strengthen their collaboration in the coming years.