NEW DELHI, June 30 — India and Bhutan on Monday held their latest round of Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi, reaffirming their close and time-tested partnership. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal, while Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden headed her country’s team.
Describing the bilateral relationship as “exemplary” and rooted in “trust, goodwill and mutual understanding,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the talks served as a comprehensive review mechanism for the full scope of India-Bhutan development cooperation.
As part of India’s commitment to Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), the Government of India has pledged a support package of ₹10,000 crore (Nu. 100 billion). This includes Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), budgetary grants, and funding for the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
According to the MEA, 61 PTA projects worth ₹4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs worth ₹417 crore are currently at various stages of execution. “Both sides agreed to revise allocations for certain PTA projects to align with evolving developmental needs,” the ministry said.
India has so far released ₹750 crore for the ESP and an additional ₹100 crore as a programme grant. The progress in utilisation of these funds was reviewed during the meeting.
Bhutan also presented the second tranche of PTA proposals under the 13th FYP. Ten new projects — worth ₹1,113 crore — were approved, spanning healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock sectors.
“The Indian side conveyed that it will continue to work closely with the Royal Government of Bhutan to advance its development priorities in line with the shared vision of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the MEA noted.
The talks were held in what the ministry described as a “friendly and cordial atmosphere,” underscoring the deep bonds between the two neighbours. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu at a mutually convenient time.
