New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) India and Bhutan will sign agreements on hydroelectric power and civil aviation during the Bhutanese King’s five-day state visit to India, where an exhibition of photographs he has taken of life in his country will also be unveiled.
Twenty nine-year-old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fifth King of Bhutan, arrived in Delhi Monday morning on his first foreign visit after his formal coronation in November 2008. This will also be first royal visit after Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in July 2008.

The visit will also see the organising of an exhibition at National Gallery of Modern Art, titled “Bhutan: An eye to history”, which will be the first public exhibition of the Bhutan king’s photographic works.

The ministry of external affair’s official spokesperson, Vishnu Prakash said several memoranda of understanding will be signed during the visit, especially in the sectors of hydroelectric power, civil aviation, health and information technology.

Hydroelectric power has become the number one export product for Bhutan, which conducts 90 percent of its international trade with India.

There has been a reversal in the balance of trade, with Bhutan exporting more to India from 2006, compared to its imports from India, mainly due to export of energy.

“In 2008, India’s export (to Bhutan) was worth Rs.1,734 crore and import was Rs.2,148 crore,” he said.

India has already established three major hydroelectric projects in Bhutan, and another one is also on the anvil.

“Over the past 50 years, our relations have deepened. Both countries have been responsive to each other’s interests and sensitivities,” said Prakash.

The king will be meeting with the Indian leaders, including the president, vice-president and the prime minister as well as senior political leaders both from the ruling and opposition parties.