FM Nirmala Sitharaman Leads Indian Delegation to Bhutan to Deepen Economic and Financial Cooperation
Strengthening Ties: India and Bhutan to Explore New Frontiers in Energy, Digital Payments, and Development Collaboration
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is leading a high-level Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on an official visit to Bhutan from 30th October to 2nd November 2025. The visit aims to further strengthen India–Bhutan economic and financial cooperation, while deepening development partnership across key sectors such as energy, digital finance, and sustainable growth.
Smt. Sitharaman began her visit with a stop at the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, founded in 1765 and home to over 100 monks engaged in advanced Buddhist studies. During her stay, she will visit several landmark projects implemented with Indian support — including the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Gyalsung Academy, Punakha Dzong, and the Sangchen Choekhor Monastery — showcasing India’s long-standing contribution to Bhutan’s development journey.
The Finance Minister is scheduled to call on His Majesty the King of Bhutan, H.E. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and will hold bilateral discussions with Bhutan’s Finance Minister Mr. Lekey Dorji to identify new avenues of collaboration in infrastructure, banking, and renewable energy.
As part of the programme, Smt. Sitharaman will attend presentations on Bhutan’s energy sector by Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), the 21st Century Economic Roadmap, banking sector reforms by Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan, and the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City Project.
In a strong demonstration of digital connectivity and financial inclusion, the Finance Minister will visit the Cottage & Small Industries (CSI) Market, where she will witness a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction, reflecting India’s growing role in promoting digital payments across South Asia.
The visit will conclude with a cultural and developmental engagement at the Punakha Dzong, where Smt. Sitharaman will interact with Bhutanese farmers to discuss agriculture innovation, sustainability, and trade opportunities.
This visit reaffirms India’s enduring partnership with Bhutan, built on a foundation of mutual trust, shared prosperity, and a forward-looking economic vision for the Himalayan region.
