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Bhutan Visit Cancelled: Nirmala Sitharaman's Trip Halted by Paro Weather

Nirmala Sitharaman's important Bhutan visit has been called off due to bad weather conditions at Paro airport. The Finance Minister was scheduled to meet Bhutan's King and Prime Minister during her four-day official tour. She was set to review several key Indian-funded projects including hydropower plants and cultural sites. The cancellation affects planned discussions on expanding economic cooperation and digital payment integration between the two nations.

Key Points: Nirmala Sitharaman Bhutan Visit Cancelled Due to Bad Weather

  • Four-day official visit aimed at strengthening India-Bhutan economic ties
  • Scheduled meetings with Bhutan's King Jigme Wangchuck and PM Tshering Tobgay
  • Planned review of key Indian-funded projects including Kurichhu Hydropower Plant
  • UPI digital payment demonstration at Cottage Industries Market cancelled
2 min read

Nirmala Sitharaman's Bhutan visit cancelled due to bad weather at Paro

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's official Bhutan visit from Oct 30-Nov 2 cancelled due to adverse weather conditions at Paro airport, disrupting key diplomatic engagements.

"The official visit of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman to Bhutan has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions at Paro. - Ministry Statement"

New Delhi, October 31

The official visit of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman to Bhutan has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions at Paro. The visit was earlier scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 2, 2025.

New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): The official visit of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman to Bhutan has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions at Paro. The visit was earlier scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 2, 2025.

Sitharaman was to lead the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs on the four-day official visit, aimed at strengthening economic and financial ties between India and Bhutan. According to the Ministry's statement, the Finance Minister was expected to begin her tour with a visit to the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, established in 1765 and home to over 100 monks engaged in advanced Buddhist studies.

During the visit, she was also expected to review several important projects supported by the Government of India. These included the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant Dam and Powerhouse, the Gyalsung Academy, the Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, and the Punakha Dzong. The projects represent long-standing cooperation between the two nations in the fields of energy, education, and cultural heritage.

As part of her official engagements, Sitharaman was scheduled to meet His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. She was also to hold bilateral discussions with Bhutan's Finance Minister, Lekey Dorji, to explore new areas of partnership in the economic and financial sectors.

The programme included several presentations on Bhutan's key developmental initiatives, such as the energy sector by Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, the country's 21st Century Economic Roadmap, updates from the banking and financial sector by Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan, and the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

Sitharaman's visit also aimed to highlight growing digital cooperation between the two countries. She was to visit the Cottage and Small Industries Market, where she would have witnessed a transaction using India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), showcasing expanding digital connectivity and financial inclusion efforts in the region.

The Finance Minister was also expected to interact with Bhutanese farmers en route to the Punakha Dzong to learn about their agricultural practices and challenges.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Such a comprehensive agenda! From hydropower projects to digital payments with UPI - India-Bhutan partnership is truly multidimensional. Hope weather clears up for the rescheduled visit.
A
Aditya G
Weather disruptions are common in Himalayan region. What's important is that our relationship with Bhutan remains strong. The Kurichhu Hydropower Plant shows our long-term commitment to our neighbor's development.
S
Sarah B
While safety is paramount, I hope our government has better contingency planning for such important diplomatic visits. The economic discussions with Bhutan are crucial for regional stability.
M
Meera T
UPI in Bhutan! 🎉 This is fantastic news for Indian tourists and business travelers. No more currency exchange hassles. Hope the digital cooperation expands to other areas too.
V
Vikram M
Bhutan is our most trusted neighbor. The Gyalsung Academy and cultural heritage projects show we're investing in their future generations. Weather will clear, friendship will remain strong! 🙏

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