What happened?
At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, paid a special visit to India to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela from February 03-04, 2025.
Why it matters to India:
According to an official statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs: “India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterised by mutual understanding and trust. The visit of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, an important hallmark of the special partnership.” Beyond the optics, the Bhutanese King’s visit signifies Bhutan’s deep understanding of Indian culture and the spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh. Last year, the King and Queen of Bhutan visited India in March 2024 and December 2024.