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SV King of Bhutan Jigme Singyyi Wangchuk steps down from aircraft and is greeted by President Sanjiva Reddy, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and other officials
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SV King and party walking across tarmac
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SV President Reddy and King into car, which leaves (2 shots)
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GV Dome of President's residence in Delhi
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SV INTERIOR King enters room, greeted by President Sanjiva Reddy and they sit down (3 shots)
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CU Guard in turban
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SV King speaking to Prime Minister Gandhi (2 shots)
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION: The King of Bhutan, Jigme Singyi Wangchuk, arrived in the Indian capital, New Delhi, on Friday (9 January) on his second formal visit within a year. He was due to begin talks with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the following day.

SYNOPSIS: On arrival, the King was met by Indian President Sanjiva Reddy. At 25, King Wangchuk is believed to be the world's youngest monarch. He rules a tiny Buddhist nation -- four centuries old -- which wedges in the Himalayas between India and China.

Observers say the young king wants to prevent his country from becoming ensnared in the power struggle between India and China. He remembers the Chinese took over Tibert thirty years ago, and that India enveloped Sikkim in 1974.

It's reported that King Wangchuk is cautiously reaching out for international contacts for his once-sealed-off country, whose relations with India are considered the most sensitive aspect of her foreign policies. Under a 1949 treaty, Bhutan agreed to what's described as Indian guidance in foreign affairs. India was angered in 1979 when Bhutan voted against India's position on Kampuchea at both the United Nations and the nonaligned nations' summit.

The tension over the Kampuchean issue is seen as the spur for Bhutan to expand its overseas ties as a means of diluting Indian influence. Delhi disapproved of Bhutan's recently opening a mission in Bangladesh.