The Third India – Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held on 28 June 2021 in a virtual mode. The Indian Delegation was led by Mr. Rahul Chhabra, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs and the delegation from Bhutan was led by Mr. Kinga Singye, Foreign Secretary, Royal Government of Bhutan. Mrs. Ruchira Kamboj, Ambassador of India to Bhutan, also attended the talks.
The Bilateral Development Cooperation Talks is an important bilateral mechanism to review the entire gamut of India’s development partnership with Bhutan. Government of India has committed Rs. 4500 crore for the implementation of development projects and Rs. 400 crores for the transitional Trade Support Facility during Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan (2018 – 2023). 77 large and intermediate projects and 524 Small Development Projects (SDPs)/ High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) are at various stages of implementation under the 12th Five Year Plan.
With Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023) completing its third year, the two sides reviewed the overall progress of the ongoing Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects, as well as the SDPs/HICDPs. Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary commended India’s role in the socio-economic transformation of Bhutan and also highlighted the impact of HICDPs at the grassroots level. He also appreciated India’s gesture to frontload the release of funds for various projects, keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic. During the talks, both sides also agreed to implement some new PTA projects across various sectors including road infrastructure, water management, industrial parks and COVID-19 management.
India deeply values its privileged partnership with Bhutan. The Indian side remains committed to continue to support Bhutan in its development efforts.
The two sides agreed to hold the next Development Cooperation Talks on a mutually agreed date. The Development Cooperation Talks were held in a friendly atmosphere in keeping with the special relationship between the two countries.