The official visit of Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman to Bhutan has been cancelled after bad weather conditions at Paro made onward travel impossible, officials said. The visit, scheduled from 30 October to 2 November, was intended to advance India-Bhutan economic cooperation and review key developmental projects.
The cancellation followed a dramatic turn of events on Thursday evening when the aircraft carrying Sitharaman made an emergency landing at Bagdogra Airport. Heavy rain, thick cloud cover and deteriorating visibility over the Himalayan corridor forced the pilot to divert the plane shortly after take-off, halting the minister’s journey and prompting an unexpected overnight halt in Siliguri.
Airport authorities immediately initiated emergency protocols at Bagdogra, ensuring the safe landing of the delegation and crew. Administrative officials later confirmed that Sitharaman was safe and that revised travel plans would depend entirely on weather assessments.
Meteorological reports pointed to widespread rainfall and a deepening low-pressure system over North Bengal and adjoining stretches, disrupting multiple flight routes to Bhutan and the Northeast. Paro Airport, known for its challenging approach, remained unsafe for operations throughout the day.
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With conditions showing no sign of improvement, the Finance Ministry formally cancelled the minister’s visit. Officials said the delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs had been preparing for discussions aimed at strengthening financial cooperation, expanding hydropower collaborations, and reviewing progress under ongoing India-assisted initiatives.
Sitharaman was originally scheduled to visit the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, interact with monks engaged in higher Buddhist studies, and review India-backed projects including the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant Dam and Powerhouse, the Gyalsung Academy, and heritage sites such as the Punakha Dzong.
The now-cancelled itinerary also included meetings with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and Bhutan’s Finance Minister Lekey Dorji, where discussions were expected to focus on boosting cooperation in hydropower, digital payments, sustainable development and tourism.
A highlight of the programme had been a demonstration of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the Cottage and Small Industries Market, symbolising the growing financial integration between the two nations.
Officials indicated that the visit may be rescheduled once weather conditions stabilise and requisite flight operations resume safely.
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