New Delhi: Following a discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay disclosed on Thursday that the Indian leader would journey to the Himalayan kingdom next week, likely marking his final overseas visit before the general elections.

The Bhutanese prime minister arrived in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon on his first overseas trip following his election victory in January. He took over as prime minister for the second time in the country’s democratic history.

The Indian prime minister tweeted that the discussions covered “various aspects of our unique and special partnership”. He also noted that the Bhutanese king and prime minister extended an invitation for next week, although he did not confirm whether the invitation had been accepted.

It was left to the visiting Bhutanese leader to announce that the Indian prime minister had "agreed to visit Bhutan soon... next week, in fact!"

Over the years, Bhutan has consistently topped the list as the largest recipient of India’s development aid budget, with India serving as its principal trade partner.

However, the relationship may be evolving as Thimpu has accelerated talks with China on resolving its disputed boundary since 2021. Once Bhutan fully demarcates its border with China, that will likely pave the way for full diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The new government in Thimphu has yet to publicly indicate whether it intends to sustain the heightened momentum of boundary talks with China. However, as The Wire reported on Wednesday, Thimphu has expressed concerns about India's proposal to construct a trans-border road through Bhutan, fearing it could undermine ongoing discussions with China.

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