Bhutan King and family arrive India on four-day visit

New Delhi, Oct 31: Making a significant gesture in diplomatic parlance, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk and Prince Jigme Namgyal Wangchuk, arrived here on Tuesday on a four-day visit to India. In an appropriate response and making a special gesture on her part, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj received the royal family at the airport. "Special gesture for a valued friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj receives Their Majesties, The King, The Queen and The Gyalsey (Prince) of Bhutan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Notably, the Bhutanese King's visit comes weeks after the stand-off between India and China at Doklam plateau in Bhutan has cooled off. The standoff that had triggered a big row between Indian side and Chinese army in June over Chinese moves to build a road in an area claimed by Bhutan, ended in August, with both India and China deciding to "disengage" from the face-off point. During his stay in the capital, on Wednesday, the visiting King will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian Prime Minister will host a dinner in honour of the royal family, a statement from the MEA said. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will call on the King. "India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship, which are characterised by deep understanding and mutual trust," MEA said. UNI