Bhutan King to visit India on Feb 7

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk is scheduled to visit India from Wednesday. This will his first time as the head of the Himalayan country. During his six-day visit, the two nations are expected to sign a revised Friendship Treaty giving more powers to Thimpu.

The revision of the 50-year-old treaty involves the amendment of several clauses, including Article 2 and 6, which will enable Bhutan to conduct its foreign policy more independently.

Article 2, which says that Bhutan will be guided by India’s advice while conducting its foreign policy, is being replaced by a language that speaks of cooperation. It will, however, incorporate a clause saying that Bhutan will not undertake or allow any activity on its soil that could be against the interests of India.