Bhutan King Wangchuk to have brief stopover at TIA on Thursday

Kathmandu, December 4 — Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is scheduled to have a brief stopover in Nepal on Thursday.

He will be transiting through Nepal for one hour en route to India for an official visit.

In preparation for the King's arrival, security at the airport has been heightened. However, according to a source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no formal meetings or events are planned during his transit.

A ministry official stated, "We are aware that the King of Bhutan is coming to Nepal, but since it is a transit, no official meetings have been scheduled."

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is currently on a visit to China, while Bhutan's King heads to India. The visit has raised interest due to the ongoing border dispute between Bhutan and China, a matter also tied to India. King Jigme is expected to engage in discussions regarding this issue during his time in India.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has already made an official announcement about the visit, confirming that King Jigme will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with discussions with India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. The King is expected to return to Bhutan on Friday.

Earlier, Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Togbay, visited India, while the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, had visited Bhutan before.

Additionally, former King Gyanendra Shah of Nepal visited Bhutan in October, where he was accorded a state reception.