Overview
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s aircraft was diverted to Bagdogra on October 30 due to severe weather over the Eastern Himalayas, forcing an unplanned stop in Siliguri.
- Administrative sources initially indicated she would attempt to continue to Bhutan on Friday, subject to improved conditions.
- A later report cited official sources to say the visit was cancelled and she returned to New Delhi, a claim not yet uniformly corroborated across outlets.
- The four-day programme had included calls on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, plus talks with Finance Minister Lekey Dorji.
- The announced itinerary featured a visit to the 60 MW Kurichhu hydropower plant, briefings from Bhutanese banks, a UPI payment demonstration at a local market, and engagements aligned with India’s Act East policy.