External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Bhutan from September 16 to 17 to further strengthen the close relationship between India and Bhutan.
During the visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Bhutanese Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel and call on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Jaishankar’s meetings with Bhutanese leaders will provide an opportunity to review bilateral engagement and discuss areas of mutual interest.
India and Bhutan continue to cooperate on development initiatives at the community level.
In August, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan announced the inauguration of three High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) in Panbang, Zhemgang.
Such projects form part of India’s development partnership with Bhutan and support community-level infrastructure and development priorities.
Trade remains an important pillar of India-Bhutan relations.
India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80% of Bhutan’s total trade, according to the source.
Bilateral trade exceeded USD 1.9 billion in FY 2024–25, representing growth of more than 46% compared with the previous financial year.
The strong trade relationship provides an important foundation for continued economic cooperation between the two countries.
Jaishankar’s visit highlights the importance India and Bhutan place on regular high-level engagement and development cooperation.
With strong trade ties, ongoing community-level projects and continued diplomatic engagement, the visit provides an opportunity to further deepen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
