India and Bhutan are strengthening their close ties with fresh talks between their top diplomats. On Monday, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri welcomed Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared details of the meeting, highlighting progress in bilateral cooperation.
The two leaders reviewed all aspects of their partnership, from energy to development projects. They reaffirmed both countries’ dedication to the special India-Bhutan friendship, which thrives on trust and mutual goodwill. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted this on X, emphasizing the strong people-to-people bonds.
A big win came with the full launch of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project—all six units are now operational. This marks a key step in the India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership, boosting clean energy and economic growth.
Both sides expressed delight over ongoing development work under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029). Supported by India, these projects in sectors like healthcare, connectivity, and infrastructure are delivering real benefits to Bhutanese communities.
During the visit, they signed an Inter-Governmental MoU to build railway links between India and Bhutan. The first connections will link Kokrajhar to Gelephu and Banarhat to Samtse. These rail projects promise better trade, travel, and economic ties across borders.
The discussions built on earlier Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi on June 30, led by India’s Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal and Bhutan’s Aum Pema Choden. Those talks paved the way for new agreements.
India has pledged INR 10,000 crore (about $1.2 billion) to support Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. This includes Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and general budgetary aid.
Currently, 61 PTA projects worth INR 4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs valued at INR 417 crore are underway. India has already released INR 750 crore for the ESP and INR 100 crore as a programme grant. The meeting checked on how these funds are being used and agreed to tweak some PTA allocations to match changing needs.
Bhutan proposed 10 more PTA projects totaling INR 1,113 crore, focusing on healthcare, roads, urban development, and livestock. India approved them all.
India’s team stressed ongoing support for Bhutan’s goals, aligned with the vision of Bhutan’s King Druk Gyalpo and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks wrapped up in a warm, friendly mood, true to the tradition of regular exchanges between the neighbors.
The next round of Development Cooperation Talks will happen in Thimphu, Bhutan, at a date that suits both sides. This partnership continues to showcase exemplary India-Bhutan relations, fostering shared prosperity.
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