Australia and Bhutan enjoy warm and friendly ties built on education and people-to-people connections. We share democratic values, a commitment to the international rules-based order, and support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Diplomatic relations with Bhutan began in 2002, although our links date back to 1962 when then Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies invited the Royal Government of Bhutan to attend the Colombo Plan meeting in Melbourne. In the same year, the Colombo Plan countries admitted Bhutan as a member. Australia was the first destination for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education abroad in the 1970s.
Recent milestones include high-level ministerial visits, Bhutan opening an embassy in Canberra in 2021, and Australia’s ongoing support for Bhutan’s development. In 2023-24, Australia provided $4.9 million in development assistance to Bhutan, reflecting the strength of this partnership.
Australia and Bhutan’s partnership continues to grow, grounded in shared priorities and mutual respect. Through trade, education, and development, the two nations are forging a resilient and forward-looking relationship.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India is also accredited as Australia’s Ambassador to Bhutan.
Economic and Trade Relations
Two-way trade between Australia and Bhutan grew significantly, from $123 million in 2021-22 to $354 million in 2022-23, driven by education and skills-related services, which make up 99% of bilateral trade.
People-to-People Links
Australia is home to Bhutan’s largest overseas community, with 14,450 Bhutan-born residents in Australia in 2022. Over 10,899 Bhutanese students were enrolled to study in Australia in 2023. Bhutanese alumni and diaspora make important contributions to both nations, enhancing our bilateral ties and driving Bhutan’s development.
Development Cooperation
Australia supports Bhutan’s sustainable development through education, women’s empowerment, and climate change initiatives. In 2024-25, $4.7 million in aid will focus on scholarships, water security, and regional economic links. Programs such as the Water for Women Fund and partnerships with think tanks reinforce these goals.
Latest news
Strengthening Ties: High Commissioner Philip Green Presents Credentials in Bhutan
In June 2024, High Commissioner Philip Green formally presented his credentials to His Majesty the King of Bhutan, officially assuming his role as Australia’s Ambassador to Bhutan. The ceremony was marked by vibrant traditions, chants, and ceremonial pageantry. During his visit in October 2024, Ambassador Green engaged in productive discussions with Bhutan’s leadership, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and areas of mutual cooperation. As part of his visit, the Ambassador hiked to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), symbolising Australia’s respect for Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
(High Commissioner Philip Green presenting his credentials to His Majesty the King of Bhutan)
Scholarships Driving Bhutan-Australia Ties
Twelve exceptional Bhutanese professionals – six women and six men – have been awarded Australia Awards Scholarships for 2025, further strengthening the long-standing Bhutan-Australia partnership. These prestigious scholarships, part of a legacy dating back to the 1960s Colombo Plan, have enabled over 400 Bhutanese students to pursue education in Australia. The awards focus on empowering future leaders and building people-to-people links through knowledge and skills development.
(High Commissioner Philip Green with Bhutan professionals who were awarded the 2025 Australia Awards Scholarships
Transforming Rural Bhutan: 15 Years of WASH Success
In 2024, the Australian Government, the Royal Government of Bhutan, and SNV Bhutan celebrated 15 years of transformative partnership in rural water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Key milestones include Bhutan’s Open Defecation Free status and access to improved WASH facilities for over 215,000 rural residents. The launch of the Water and Sanitation Information System (WaSIS), which tracks water, sanitation and solid waste data while recoding the impact of climate-induced events, underscored the partnership’s forward-looking approach to sustainable development in Bhutan.
(Minister Counsellor Carly Patridge with delegates from SNV Bhutan)
Volunteers Building Bhutan’s Future
Since 2013, the Australian Volunteers Program has made a meaningful impact in Bhutan by matching skilled Australians with local organizations. Over the last seven years, 35 Australian volunteers have completed 49 assignments, supporting 21 partner organizations in diverse fields such as health, education, environment, and climate resilience. The program fosters strong ties between Australia and Bhutan while advancing equitable development goals.
