During a meeting that was described as being “particularly warm and friendly”, Dr. Manmohan Singh re-affirmed India’s commitment to Bhutan’s economic development. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and “re-affirmed the special relationship” that the two countries enjoyed, according to a spokesman for the prime minister’s office.

The prime minister hosted a lunch at his residence for His Majesty the King and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi received His Majesty at her residence in the evening on November 25.

During the six-day visit, His Majesty met with the foreign minister, Mr. K. Natwar Singh, the minister for defence, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the national security advisor, Mr. J. N. Dixit, the chief of army staff, General N.C. Vij, and senior government officials.

The President of the BJP and opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Mr. L. K. Advani, and the former prime minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, are scheduled to call on His Majesty the King on November 28.

In an interview with Kuensel, Mr. Natwar Singh described His Majesty’s working visit to India as being “extremely successful”.

“As you know the relations between our two countries are like as if we’re the same family,” he said. “Whatever His Majesty wants, we will do.”

The foreign minister, who is scheduled to visit Bhutan for the opening of the Kurichu Hydro Power Project on December 12, said that the government of India was keen to strengthen cooperation with Bhutan. “We are interested in further development and, any assistance that we can give, it’s available to His Majesty,” he added.

Mr. Natwar Singh said that the royal visit and His Majesty’s meetings with the Indian leaders also helped Bhutan and India keep each other informed and up to date about what was happening in the two countries and in the neighbourhood.

His Royal Highness the Chhoetse Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will meet with the Bhutanese students studying at various universities and institutions in New Delhi.

By Kinley Dorji in New Delhi
chief@kuensel.com.bt