The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (January 7, 2013) received His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in their honour.

Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the King of Bhutan on the second successful democratic elections held in Bhutan in July 2013 and said it was due to the enlightened policy of successive Druk Gyalpos that Bhutan is known the world over for a smooth transition to a democratic constitutional monarchy.

The President said the unique and special relations of India and Bhutan are based on shared strategic perceptions, utmost trust, goodwill, transparency and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and vital interests. The Government and people of India attach the highest priority to relations with Bhutan. It would be India’s endeavour to further strengthen these ties in a spirit of partnership for mutual benefit. The Government of India has always been happy to contribute to Bhutan’s socio-economic progress by sharing its knowledge and experience with Bhutan. India would like to reassure Bhutan of its continued commitment to capacity building in Bhutan.

Responding to the President, the King of Bhutan said India was like a home away from home for him. Bhutan and India have common security interests. It is grateful for the generous assistance extended by India for its economic development. He retreated Bhutan’s commitment to see the relations become stronger. He said India was crucial to Bhutan’s plans for the future. It requires India’s support as it consolidated its democracy and made economic progress.