State Visit of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan to India from 23rd – 31st October 2011

1. At the invitation of the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen, Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck paid a State Visit to India from October 23 to 31, 2011. Their Majesties were accompanied by the Minister for Economic Affairs and Minster-In-Charge of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs, His Excellency Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, Chief Operations Officer, Royal Bhutan Army, Maj. Gen. Batoo Tshering and other senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

2. A special importance was attached to this first visit abroad by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen after the Royal Wedding on 13 October, 2011. The visit reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

3. While in India, Their Majesties met the President of India. The President of India felicitated Their Majesties on their marriage and wished them happiness and a long life together. The President of India hosted a banquet in honour of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

4. The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari; the Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee; the Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram; the Leader of the Opposition, Smt. Sushma Swaraj; the Minister of State for External Affairs, Smt. Preneet Kaur; the National Security Adviser, Shri Shivshankar Menon; and the Foreign Secretary, Shri Ranjan Mathai, called on His Majesty the King. Their Majesties also met the UPA Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi.

5. His Majesty the King of Bhutan held talks with the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who also hosted a lunch in honour of Their Majesties. They exchanged views and held discussions on bilateral relations and economic cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. They recalled the strong historical ties of friendship and understanding that exist between the two countries. His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister of India expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these exemplary relations. His Majesty the King conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the Government of India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.

6. The meetings were held in a very warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of trust, cooperation and deep understanding that characterize the bilateral relations between the two countries.

7. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the cooperation in the hydropower sector and reiterated their commitment to achieve the target of 10,000 MW of power generation in Bhutan by 2020.

8. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen also visited Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

9. The visit of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to India marks an important milestone in the close and friendly relations between the two countries and has contributed significantly towards further strengthening the profound friendship, mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between India and Bhutan.

10. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen expressed deep appreciation to the Government and the people of India for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended to them and the members of their delegation.

New Delhi, 31 October 2011