New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday embarked on a key four-day official visit to Bhutan. The FM Sitharaman Bhutan visit aims at strengthening economic, financial, and developmental cooperation between the two close neighbours.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the visit is scheduled from October 30 to November 2. It highlights India’s long-standing partnership with Bhutan, built on trust, mutual respect, and shared progress in the Himalayan region. FM Sitharaman’s Bhutan visit underscores the importance of this relationship.
During her stay, FM Sitharaman will call on Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. This reaffirms India’s support for Bhutan’s growth and stability. FM Sitharaman Bhutan visit will also include bilateral talks with Bhutanese Finance Minister Lekey Dorji. They aim to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and financial collaboration.
The visit will begin with a trip to the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery. Established in 1765, it is home to over 100 monks engaged in advanced Buddhist studies. Sitharaman will later visit several key projects supported by India during her FM Sitharaman Bhutan visit. These include the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant Dam, Gyalsung Academy, Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, and Punakha Dzong Bhutan’s second-oldest and second-largest dzong.
FM Sitharaman will also attend presentations on Bhutan’s 21st Century Economic Roadmap. These presentations include the energy sector by Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) and the banking sector by Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan. Another highlight will be insights into the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project. It is one of Bhutan’s flagship developmental initiatives.
Showcasing the growing digital integration between India and Bhutan, Sitharaman will visit the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market. Here, she will witness a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction in real time.
On her way to Punakha Dzong, she will also interact with Bhutanese farmers. She aims to learn about their agricultural practices and challenges. This initiative during FM Sitharaman Bhutan visit reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable rural development in the region.
The visit reflects India’s deepening engagement with Bhutan, focusing on shared prosperity, energy cooperation, and regional stability.
