Bhutan King meets Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is on a five-day visit to India, met Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday, at her 10, Janpath residence.

Earlier in the day, King Wangchuck met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to strenghen bilateral relations as both nations strive to settle issues, including India's withdrawal of fuel subsidy on supply of kerosene and cooking gas.

India's withdrawal of subsidy on kerosene and cooking gas led to a steep price rise in Bhutan, a step that became a crucial issue during Bhutan's general elections in 2013.

Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation and his wife Queen Jetsun Pema, the Bhutan King arrived here on Monday. It is King Wangchuck's first visit after Bhutan's general elections.

Meanwhile, India's Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid and Defence Minister A.K. Antony were also present during the King's meeting with the Prime Minister.

King Wangchuck is also scheduled to meet Vice-President Hamid Ansari during his trip.

This is King Wangchuck's second visit in 12 months. He was the also the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations last year.