Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Begins Two-Day Bhutan Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Bhutan for two days.
The visit is scheduled for September 16 and 17.
He will meet Bhutan’s foreign minister to discuss cooperation between the two countries.
He will also meet Bhutan’s king and prime minister.
India and Bhutan regularly hold high-level meetings to maintain their close relationship.
Recent talks covered rivers that cross both countries.
The countries also discussed floods, water-data sharing, and a hydroelectric project.
The visit is part of India’s effort to maintain strong relationships with neighboring countries.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Bhutan from September 16-17 at the invitation of Bhutanese Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel.
Jaishankar is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with DN Dhungyel during the official visit.
He will receive a royal audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and meet Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
The visit aims to strengthen India-Bhutan friendship and cooperation under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
Recent bilateral discussions have focused on transboundary rivers, flood management, hydrological data sharing, and the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project.
- Who
- India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bhutanese Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
- What
- Jaishankar is making an official two-day visit involving bilateral talks and meetings with Bhutanese leaders.
- When
- September 16-17.
- Where
- Bhutan.
- Why
- To continue regular high-level exchanges and strengthen India-Bhutan friendship and cooperation under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
- Visitor
- S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister
- Host invitation
- Bhutanese Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel
- Visit dates
- September 16-17
- Scheduled meetings
- Bilateral talks with the Bhutanese foreign minister, a royal audience with the king, and a meeting with the prime minister
- Recent cooperation
- Transboundary river management, flood forecasting, flood management, and hydrological data sharing
- Energy project
- Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project
- Policy context
- India’s Neighbourhood First policy