India and Bhutan to Deepen Economic Ties During Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Bhutan Visit

The visit includes meetings with Bhutan’s King, Prime Minister, and Finance Minister, and reviews of key projects like Kurichhu Hydropower and Gelephu Mindfulness City.

New Delhi, October 30, 2025 — Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has embarked on a four-day official visit to Bhutan from October 30 to November 2, 2025, leading a high-level delegation from India’s Department of Economic Affairs.

The visit aims to further strengthen India–Bhutan economic and developmental cooperation, reinforcing the deep-rooted partnership between the two neighbouring nations.

As part of her itinerary, the Finance Minister will begin her engagements with a visit to the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, established in 1765 and currently home to over 100 monks pursuing advanced Buddhist studies.

During the visit, Sitharaman is expected to review several India-supported development projects, including the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Gyalsung Academy, Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, and the iconic Punakha Dzong.

The Finance Minister will also call on His Majesty the King of Bhutan, H.E. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and meet Prime Minister H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Bilateral discussions are scheduled with Bhutan’s Finance Minister Mr. Lekey Dorji, focusing on expanding economic, financial, and infrastructural collaboration between the two nations.

As part of the official programme, Sitharaman will attend detailed presentations on:

The energy sector by Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC)
Bhutan’s 21st Century Economic Roadmap
The banking and financial sector by Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan
The ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project

In a symbolic gesture highlighting the growing digital connectivity between India and Bhutan, the Finance Minister will visit the Cottage & Small Industries (CSI) Market, where she will witness a live Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction.

Before concluding her visit, Sitharaman will travel to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s second-oldest and largest fortress-monastery, and interact with local Bhutanese farmers to gain insights into their agricultural practices and challenges.

This visit reaffirms the enduring friendship and trust that form the foundation of India–Bhutan relations, emphasizing a shared vision for regional growth, sustainability, and prosperity.