India’s Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Begins Four-Day Official Visit to Bhutan 🇮🇳🇧🇹
Thimphu, October 30, 2025 — India’s Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, has begun a four-day official visit to Bhutan, aimed at deepening bilateral economic cooperation and strengthening the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The visit commenced with a tour of the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery in Paro, established in 1765 and home to over 100 monks pursuing advanced Buddhist philosophy.
During her stay, the Minister will visit several key projects funded by the Government of India, including the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Gyalsung Academy, Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, and Punakha Dzong.
She is scheduled to call on His Majesty The King and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and will hold discussions with Finance Minister Lekey Dorji on expanding economic, financial, and development cooperation.
Ms. Sitharaman will also receive briefings on Bhutan’s energy sector from the Druk Green Power Corporation, the 21st Century Economic Roadmap, and the country’s banking and financial sector from Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan. A presentation on the Gelephu Mindfulness City project will also feature during her engagements.
Highlighting the growing digital connectivity between the two countries, she will visit the Cottage and Small Industries Market, where she will witness a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction — symbolizing the expanding scope of India-Bhutan digital collaboration.
On the final leg of her visit, the Minister will travel to Punakha Dzong and meet with local farmers to understand Bhutan’s agricultural practices and challenges.
This visit underscores the deep-rooted partnership between India and Bhutan, founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to sustainable regional progress.
