New Delhi [India], June 30 (ANI): India and Bhutan convened for the Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi on Monday, reaffirming their strong bilateral ties and commitment to collaborative development. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Tanmaya Lal, while the Bhutanese delegation was headed by Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden.
“India and Bhutan share an exemplary partnership characterised by trust, goodwill, mutual understanding at all levels, and strong bonds of friendship and close people-to-people ties,” the MEA said in an official statement.
The Development Cooperation Talks serve as a key bilateral platform to assess and review the breadth of India-Bhutan development collaboration. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the status of ongoing projects and discussed future initiatives under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for 2024–2029.
India has committed support of INR/Nu. 10,000 crore (100 billion) for Bhutan’s 13th FYP, encompassing Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects, High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), support for Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and general budgetary support through Programme Grants.
So far, a total of 61 PTA projects valued at INR/Nu 4958 crore (49.58 billion) and 283 HICDPs worth INR/Nu 417 crore (4.17 billion) are at various stages of implementation. The talks also addressed potential adjustments to the allocation of funds for certain PTA projects in response to evolving developmental needs.
The Indian government has already disbursed INR/Nu 750 crore (7.5 billion) towards the ESP and INR/Nu 100 crore (1 billion) as Programme Grant. The two delegations assessed the progress made in utilising these funds effectively.
During the meeting, the Bhutanese side presented the second tranche of PTA project proposals for the 13th FYP. A total of 10 new projects amounting to INR/Nu 1113 crore (11.13 billion) were approved. These initiatives span vital sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock development.
The Indian side reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Royal Government of Bhutan in alignment with the shared vision of Bhutan’s King Druk Gyalpo and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cooperation will remain focused on Bhutan’s priorities and national development goals.
The discussions were held in a “friendly and cordial atmosphere,” reflecting the deep-rooted and unique bilateral relationship between the two countries. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date. (ANI)
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