Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Bhutan Diplomacy, Canada Rapprochement, and Trump's H-1B Visa Reconsideration
India's leader visited Bhutan to celebrate a respected former king and reaffirm their strong friendship.
India and Canada are also trying to be friends again after a disagreement, partly because of new trade rules from the US.
Meanwhile, the leader of the US, Donald Trump, might be thinking about changing his mind on some rules that make it harder for people from India to work in the US, and also about taxes he put on goods from India.
It seems like countries are trying to fix relationships and work together more, especially when facing new challenges.
Prime Minister Modi visited Bhutan to honor the 70th birthday of the country's fourth king, underscoring India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
India and Bhutan share strong ties in religion, culture, currency, security, and energy, with recent plans for a rail link.
India and Canada are working to reset their diplomatic and economic ties following a period of strain, influenced by US trade policies.
The US government shutdown, the longest in history, has ended, with lingering questions about its impact on both parties.
President Trump is reportedly reconsidering his stance on H-1B visas for Indian professionals and tariffs on India, though his policy changes are uncertain.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan's fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Canadian minister Maninder Sidhu, US President Donald Trump
- What
- India's Prime Minister Modi visited Bhutan to honor the country's fourth king, while India and Canada are seeking to reset their relations, and President Trump is reportedly reconsidering his stance on H-1B visas and tariffs on India.
- When
- This week, following recent diplomatic interactions and a US government shutdown.
- Where
- Bhutan, Canada, and the United States
- Why
- To strengthen ties with Bhutan amidst regional instability, to mend relations with Canada amid economic pressures, and to potentially reassess immigration and trade policies impacting India.
- Bhutan Rail Link Cost
- ₹4,033 crore
- H-1B Visa Application Fee Increase
- $100,000
- US Tariff on India
- 50%
- Canadian Tariffs on US Imports
- 25%
- Duration of US Government Shutdown
- 43 days