Jaishankar Arrives in Bhutan to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bhutan’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel arrived in Bumthang on September 16. 

Jaishankar is visiting Bhutan from September 16 to 18, with the visit aimed at further strengthening the close and longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

During his visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dhungyel and call on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The ministry said the visit is part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and is intended to strengthen existing bilateral cooperation.

The two countries have also continued cooperation on community-level development projects. In August, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan said three High Impact Community Development Projects in Panbang, Zhemgang, were inaugurated.

India remains Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of Bhutan’s total trade. Bilateral trade exceeded $1.9 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, an increase of more than 46 per cent over the previous financial year.

Jaishankar’s visit comes amid continued efforts by both sides to deepen cooperation in trade, development and other areas of mutual interest. 

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