Nirmala Sitharaman’s Bhutan Visit Halted After Mid-Air Emergency

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's journey to Bhutan was interrupted on Thursday (October 30) after her flight made an emergency landing in Siliguri.

The minister, who was headed to Thimphu for an official visit, will stay overnight in the city after her aircraft was diverted to Bagdogra Airport due to challenging weather conditions in the region.

Emergency Landing at Bagdogra Airport

Sources revealed that the aircraft encountered intense turbulence soon after takeoff, caused by deteriorating visibility and unstable weather over the Himalayan corridor. As a safety measure, the pilot decided to divert the flight to Bagdogra Airport, where emergency protocols were swiftly activated to ensure the well-being of everyone on board.

Officials confirmed that Sitharaman is safe and that her travel schedule has been temporarily modified. "The minister's safety was never at risk, and all necessary precautions were taken," a source quoted in media reports said. Authorities are closely watching weather patterns that continue to disrupt air travel across the eastern sector.

Overnight Stay in Siliguri

With heavy rainfall persisting through the evening, the Finance Minister opted to remain in Siliguri overnight. Local officials and security agencies arranged her stay under enhanced protection. As per administrative sources, she is expected to resume her journey to Bhutan on Friday morning if conditions stabilize.

Sitharaman's visit is part of an ongoing India-Bhutan dialogue aimed at reviewing developmental initiatives and boosting economic partnerships between the two countries.

Weather-Related Flight Disruptions in the Region

Meteorological departments have reported continuous rainfall and a prevailing low-pressure system over North Bengal and neighboring areas. The inclement weather has resulted in multiple flight diversions and delays on routes connecting Bhutan and the northeastern states.

The Finance Ministry is keeping a close eye on developments and is expected to issue an updated itinerary once weather conditions improve.

Strengthening India-Bhutan Bilateral Cooperation

Sitharaman's Bhutan visit is intended to reinforce bilateral relations through discussions on trade, hydropower, digital finance, and cultural collaboration. Her itinerary includes visits to key sites such as the Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, the Gyalsung Academy, and the Punakha Dzong-projects symbolizing India's contribution to Bhutan's growth and infrastructure development.

During her meetings with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and Finance Minister Lekey Dorji, Sitharaman is expected to explore new avenues of cooperation in digital payments, sustainable development, and tourism.

As part of promoting digital integration, the minister will visit Bhutan's Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market to observe a live UPI-based transaction-highlighting India's expanding digital footprint in the region. Her trip will conclude with interactions with local farmers and community representatives to understand ongoing agricultural initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.