Bhutan King arrives on maiden visit

New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) India discussed the issue of Northeast insurgents and other security-related matters with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who arrived here today on his maiden visit after taking over as the Fifth Druk Gyalpo.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil who called on the Bhutan King this evening, discussed the issue of Northeast insurgents, sources said.

The meeting lasted 30 minutes. Before the Home Minister, National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan also met the Bhutan monarch for 30 minutes.

The meetings are considered significant in the wake of ULFA having stepped up attacks in Asom and reports of the insurgent group trying to regain foothold along the Indo-Bhutanese border.

The Royal Bhutanese Army had in 2003 launched a crackdown on ULFA camps in Bhutan and flushed out the insurgents. However, some reports suggest that ULFA is again trying to gain sanctuary in areas along the Indo-Bhutan border.

The 26-year old Bhutan King who arrived here in the morning on a five-day official visit, will have discussions with Indian leaders aimed at upgrading bilateral ties.

He was received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.

The Bhutan King, who will be here till February 12, will have discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow following which the two countries will sign an updated version of the 57-year old Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, re-defining bilateral ties in the contemporary geo-political situation. The Treaty is expected to give Bhutan more autonomy in Defence and Foreign Policy.

He is accompanied by his Foreign Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk and senior officials.

He will also meet other leaders for discussions on bilateral and other issues of mutual interest, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

He is expected to call on President A P J Abdul Kalam.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon will call on the Bhutan monarch.

On February 9, Defence Minister A K Antony, Army Chief J J Singh and Planing Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia will call on him while on February 10, he will have a meeting with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L K Advani at the latter's residence.

On February 11, Finance Minister P Chidambaram will call on him.

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