Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s flight to Bhutan made an emergency landing in Siliguri due to severe bad weather. She will stay overnight in Siliguri and continue her journey on Friday once conditions improve.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman’s flight to Bhutan made an emergency landing on Thursday afternoon due to severe bad weather.
The aircraft, carrying the Union Minister and her delegation, was forced to land at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri for safety reasons after encountering heavy rainfall and low atmospheric pressure.
As per Sitharaman’s official itinerary, she was scheduled to arrive in Bhutan today. However, due to the adverse weather conditions, she will spend the night in Siliguri. Administrative sources confirmed that the Finance Minister will resume her journey to Bhutan on Friday morning, depending on the improvement in weather conditions.
Sitharaman is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs on an official visit to Bhutan from October 30 to November 2, 2025.
According to an official release, the Union Finance Minister will begin her official tour with a visit to the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, established in 1765 and home to over 100 monks engaged in advanced Buddhist studies.
As part of the visit, Sitharaman will observe several key projects being implemented with the support of the Government of India. These include the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant Dam and Powerhouse, the Gyalsung Academy, the Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, and the Punakha Dzong.
During her stay, Sitharaman is scheduled to call on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. She will also hold a bilateral meeting with Bhutan’s Finance Minister, Lekey Dorji, to discuss avenues for further strengthening India-Bhutan economic and financial cooperation.
