Bhutan King, Manmohan hold talks

New Delhi, Dec 22 : Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Tuesday held extensive talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as they wrapped up agreements in several sectors, from water resources to civil aviation.

The 29-year-old Bhutanese sovereign is on his first foreign visit since his formal coronation in November 2008. He arrived on a six-day visit Monday morning.

On Tuesday, he began his programme with a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. He then laid a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna called on the young king at his suite in Taj Mahal Hotel after which the visitor for Hyderabad House in the heart of the city to meet the prime minister.

The delegation-level talks between the king and the prime minister were followed by more restricted consultations.

Thereafter, both sides signed nearly a dozen agreements, including on hydropower, civil aviation, health and IT.

India has already given assistance to build three major hydroelectric projects at Chukha, Kurichu and Tala. Besides, India is also helping in the construction of Punatsangchhu-1 project.

India gets a "substantial" part of the power generated from these projects, which have in fact led to the reversal of the balance of trade since 2006.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced in 2008 that it will help Bhutan build additional installed capacity of 10,000 megawatt in hydropower by 2020.

The Bhutanese king is slated to meet Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj.

In the evening, President Pratibha Patil will host a state banquet in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan.