Thimphu, Sep 16: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Bhutan on Wednesday for a two-day official visit aimed at further strengthening the close relationship and cooperation between India and Bhutan. He was warmly received at the airport by Bhutanese Foreign Minister and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel.
During his visit from September 16 to 17, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Dhungyel. He will also meet Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and call on Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
The visit is part of regular high-level engagement between the two neighbouring countries and is expected to provide an opportunity to review ongoing cooperation and discuss areas of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit would further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.
India and Bhutan have maintained close cooperation across several areas, including hydropower, development partnerships, connectivity, trade and people-to-people relations. Recent discussions have also included cooperation on trans-border rivers and sustainable management of water resources.
The visit also comes after several high-level exchanges between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan in November 2025, while Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck made visits to India during 2025. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also visited New Delhi in February 2026 for the AI Impact Summit.
Hydropower remains an important area of India-Bhutan cooperation. During Prime Minister Modi’s November 2025 visit, India and Bhutan marked the inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, along with agreements covering areas including renewable energy and health.
Jaishankar’s Bhutan visit is therefore expected to provide another opportunity for the two sides to take forward their existing cooperation and explore new areas of partnership. The discussions are also likely to reinforce the importance of sustained engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
The visit reflects the continued emphasis on regular diplomatic exchanges between India and Bhutan, with cooperation extending from development and energy to regional and economic issues.