Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

The annual India Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held in New Delhi on Friday, 01 March 2024. The Bhutanese delegation was led by Aum Pema Choden, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and included senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary and other officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

During the Talks, the two sides reviewed the progress of the projects supported by GoI under the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan. The Bhutanese side expressed appreciation to the people and the Government of India for their unwavering support and cooperation extended to Bhutan during the difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through the 12th Five Year Plan bilateral partnership, 83 Project Tied Assistance and 524 High Impact Community Development Projects in areas of Education, Health, Digital Development, Capacity Development, Law, Infrastructure, Trade, Agriculture, Sports and Culture have been successfully implemented.

Both sides discussed priority sectors and projects for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan to achieve the Royal Government of Bhutan’s goal of a ‘Healthy, Prosperous and Secure Bhutan’. Government of India conveyed that, it will continue to work together with the Royal Government of Bhutan on its development agenda, in line with His Majesty’s vision and based on the priorities and aspirations of the Royal Government. The two sides agreed to hold the next Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.

The Talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere in keeping with the excellent bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

New Delhi
March 01, 2024