Raisina Hill has been busy of late, with back to back high level visits. The last week has seen a stream of dignitaries—French defence minister Florence Parly, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni is on his India tour, and the coming days promise more.
With most visits (except Ghani's), the hope was of taking further defence deals with India. India is in the need for defence equipment and countries are hoping to better each other with deals that India could find lucrative, even mulling over possibilities of production under Make in India.
The forthcoming visit of the King and Queen of Bhutan—His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk—and their son, his Royal Highness The Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk is also of significance from the defence viewpoint, albeit a different viewpoint.
The significance of the four day visit, starting October 31, is not lost on anyone and the memory of Doklam is still fresh. The incident tested the ties of the two nations, and though matters were resolved amicably after a very strained standoff with China, there is reason enough for Bhutan to visit its protectorate India and reaffirm the relationship. A few weeks ago, foreign secretary S. Jaishankar had visited Thimpu and held high level meetings with the Bhutanese.
2018 is an important year; it will mark the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. “India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship, which are characterised by deep understanding and mutual trust. The visit of His Majesty the KIng of Bhutan is in keeping with the long standing tradition of regular high level exchanges between the two countries,'' said a release from the Ministry of External Affairs. The King and Queen will meet the president, vice president and prime minister, who will host a dinner in their honour.
“The visit would provide an opportunity to both sides for reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including plans for celebrating the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties,'' the MEA added.
The Bhutanese Queen is an alumna of Lawrence School, Sanawar and the royal couple had visited India on their honeymoon in 2011.
India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. Bhutan's main export is hydropower, two thirds of which it sells to India. The hydroelectric plants were set up with the help from India.
India has nurtured Bhutan closely; it provides a much needed buffer with China. Of late, however, there have been worries over China's overreach to Bhutan During the Doklam standoff; peace loving Bhutan found itself in an uncomfortable position, sandwiched between the egos of two Asian giants. The standoff also tested loyalties and resilience tremendously.