The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between Bhutan and India, says MEA
In a notable diplomatic engagement, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra embarked on an official visit to Bhutan from January 29 to 31, 2024. This visit is aimed at enhancing the enduring and evolving relationship between India and Bhutan.

Soon after his arrival in Thimphu, he had discussions with his Bhutanese counterpart, Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden, on a wide range of issues including development partnership,  energy,  and trade.

"Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra held bilateral consultations with Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden. 

A wide ranging discussion on multifaceted cooperation between India Bhutan in development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people ties," the Indian Embassy in Bhutan posted on social media platform X. 

According to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during his visit, Foreign Secretary Kwatra will have the honor of an audience with His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. 

Further emphasizing the visit's significance, Kwatra will also call on Bhutan's newly elected Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay. Tobgay’s recent assumption of office and the subsequent engagement with India's Foreign Secretary highlights the commitment of both nations to continuous dialogue and cooperation.

Additionally, Kwatra will meet with Bhutan's Foreign Minister, Dinanath Dhungyel. The Indian Foreign Secretary's engagements include meetings with other senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan. 

These interactions provide a platform for discussing various bilateral and regional matters, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the India-Bhutan partnership.

"The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between Bhutan and India," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The engagements are expected to evaluate areas pertaining to diplomatic collaboration, economic development, and regional security. The visit is a reaffirmation of the close and friendly relations between the two countries, rooted in historical and cultural ties, and a commitment to collaborative support and cooperation for a prosperous and peaceful region.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra's visit comes a few months after the King of Bhutan held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

The King of Bhutan, accompanied by senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, was in India on an official visit from November 3-10, 2023. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral talks in New Delhi on November 6, 2023.

According to the Joint Statement issued after the talks, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of His Majesty.