FM Sitharaman Makes Safe Emergency Landing En Route to Bhutan Amid Himalayan Storms

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's much-anticipated official visit to Bhutan hit a dramatic snag on Thursday, October 30, when her flight was forced into an emergency landing at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri amid ferocious weather conditions. The aircraft, en route to Thimphu, encountered intense turbulence and near-zero visibility over the treacherous Himalayan terrain shortly after takeoff. Pilots made the split-second decision to divert as heavy rains, low-pressure systems, and thick cloud cover turned the skies hostile, prioritizing passenger safety above all. Sources close to the incident revealed that the plane shook violently, leaving even seasoned travelers gripping their seats in fear.

Airport authorities sprang into action with textbook precision, rolling out full emergency protocols the moment the flight touched down safely at Bagdogra. Fire tenders, medical teams, and security personnel were on standby, ensuring no injuries among the Finance Minister, her delegation, or the crew. Sitharaman, visibly composed despite the ordeal, was whisked away under heavy guard to a secure hotel in Siliguri for an unplanned overnight stay. Local administration pulled out all stops, arranging luxury accommodations and round-the-clock protection, while the Finance Ministry scrambled to revise her packed itinerary. Weather forecasts painted a grim picture, with persistent downpours disrupting air traffic across North Bengal and the Northeast.

The broader region has been battered by unrelenting meteorological mayhem, with meteorological departments issuing alerts for widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and atmospheric instability. Multiple flights to Bhutan and neighboring areas were grounded or delayed, stranding hundreds of passengers and highlighting the vulnerabilities of air travel in this monsoon-prone corridor. If skies clear by Friday morning, October 31, Sitharaman is slated to resume her journey, but contingency plans include road travel options as a backup. This incident underscores the unpredictable risks of high-altitude routes, especially during the tail end of the monsoon season, and has sparked calls for enhanced weather monitoring tech in aviation hubs.

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Undeterred by the setback, Sitharaman's Bhutan agenda remains a powerhouse of bilateral bonhomie, aimed at turbocharging economic ties between the dragon kingdom and India. She'll pay homage at the ancient Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, a 1765 gem housing over 100 scholarly monks, before inspecting flagship India-funded projects like the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Gyalsung Academy, and the majestic Punakha Dzong. High-stakes meetings with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and Finance Minister Lekey Dorji will dive deep into hydropower synergies, digital payments, tourism boosts, and green development initiatives.

Adding a modern twist to age-old friendships, Sitharaman will showcase India's UPI magic with a live demo at the vibrant Cottage and Small Industries Market, symbolizing seamless financial fusion. Her trip wraps with a cultural crescendo at Punakha Dzong and heartfelt chats with local farmers on agri-innovations, challenges, and cross-border collaborations. This visit not only reinforces India's role as Bhutan's steadfast partner but also promises fresh avenues for sustainable growth, proving that even storm diversions can't derail diplomatic momentum.

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