State visit of their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan

The King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Queen, Her Majesty Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, paid a state visit to India from October 23-31, 2011. This was the first visit abroad of His Majesty after the Royal Wedding on 13 October 2011; and fourth visit to India since his Coronation in November 2008. He had earlier paid State Visit to India in December 2009 which was his first visit abroad after his coronation as the King of nation in November 2008. His Majesty visited Kolkata as the Chief Guest of the Convocation Ceremony of the Kolkata University in October 2010 and visited New Delhi in October 2010 as the guest of honour at the Golden jubilee celebrations of the National Defence College, of which he is an alumnus. HM the King of Bhutan met the President of India, who also hosted a banquet a lunch in his honour. The King held talks with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who also hosted a lunch in honour of Their Majesties. The talks focused on bilateral; relations and economic cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Vice President, Finance Minister, Home Minister, Leader of the Opposition, UPA Chairperson, Minister of State for External Affairs, National Security Advisor, and Foreign Secretary called on His Majesty the King. The unique and special relations between India and Bhutan are characterized by everlasting friendship, deep understanding and mutual trust. The visit of His Majesty the King of Bhutan contributed to further strengthening and expanding the close bilateral relations between our two countries.