India-Bhutan development cooperation talks advance bilateral partnership
New Delhi, Jun 30: India and Bhutan held the latest round of Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi on June 30, 2025, reaffirming their enduring partnership based on trust, mutual understanding, and deep people-to-people ties. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Tanmaya Lal, while Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden headed the Bhutanese side.
The meeting served as a key bilateral mechanism to review the full spectrum of India’s development assistance to Bhutan, aligned with the priorities of Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029). The Government of India has committed INR/Nu 10,000 crore (INR 100 billion) in total support, encompassing Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and Programme Grants.
Both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation, including the implementation status of 61 PTA projects valued at INR/Nu 4958 crore and 283 HICDPs worth INR/Nu 417 crore. The talks also covered the utilisation of INR/Nu 750 crore already disbursed under the ESP and INR/Nu 100 crore as Programme Grant.
In a key outcome of the talks, the Bhutanese side presented the second tranche of PTA proposals under the 13th Five Year Plan. Ten new projects worth INR/Nu 1113 crore were jointly approved, covering sectors such as healthcare, transport connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock development. Both sides agreed to revise allocations for some existing PTA projects in light of changing requirements on the ground.
The Indian delegation reiterated its continued support to Bhutan’s development goals, consistent with the shared vision of King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of India. The talks were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the unique bilateral relationship between the two neighbours. The two sides agreed to convene the next round of Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.
