India, Bhutan Deepen Development Partnership with New Projects Worth Over ₹11,000 Cr
India and Bhutan reaffirmed their close development partnership during high-level talks held in New Delhi on Monday, approving a fresh tranche of bilateral projects worth over ₹1,113 crore under Bhutan’s ongoing 13th Five Year Plan.
The 2025 edition of the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks was co-chaired by India’s Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal and Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden, India's MEA confirmed in a statement.
 |
| Image Source: MEA/FM on X |
The discussions covered a broad review of bilateral assistance and reaffirmed India’s commitment to its Himalayan neighbour’s developmental priorities.
India has pledged a total support package of ₹10,000 crore (₹100 billion) for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029). The commitment spans Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), support to Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and general budgetary assistance.
During the talks, both sides assessed the progress of 61 ongoing PTA projects worth ₹4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs worth ₹417 crore, which span sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development. India also released ₹750 crore for Bhutan’s ESP and ₹100 crore as a programme grant.
A key outcome of the meeting was the approval of 10 new PTA projects in priority areas such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock management. These projects, worth ₹1,113 crore, form the second tranche of assistance under the 13th FYP.
Both sides also agreed to revise allocations for select ongoing projects in line with emerging needs, signalling a flexible and responsive cooperation framework.
India reiterated that it remains steadfast in supporting Bhutan’s development roadmap, guided by the vision of Bhutan’s King and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials emphasized that the partnership would continue to evolve based on Bhutan’s own priorities.
The talks, held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, underscore the special ties between India and Bhutan, rooted in mutual trust, cultural affinity, and long-standing friendship.
The next round of talks will be held in Thimphu on a mutually agreed date, officials said.