Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his two-day official visit to Bhutan yesterday. During his visit, Mr Misri co-chaired the fifth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for the 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan. During the 5th Plan Talks, both sides reviewed the overall progress and implementation of Government of India’s support of 10 thousand crore rupees for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan. A total of 12 new Project Tied Assistance, PTA projects amounting to 332 crore rupees were approved. They cover sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, urban amenities and disaster management. 

 

The Foreign Secretaries also witnessed the exchange of the Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement between the Bhutan government and EXIM Bank of India to operationalise a concessional Line of Credit of 4000 crore rupees for energy projects in Bhutan. They also witnessed the signing of MoU between All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Science of Bhutan for collaboration on research and exchange programmes on health-related education and training.

 

Foreign Secretary Misri received an audience with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. He also called on Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel. The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral cooperation including development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance. The Bhutanese side appreciated the support from India and its significance for wide-ranging programmes under its 13th FYP.

 

Our correspondent reports that India and Bhutan share an exemplary partnership characterised by trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels and close people-to-people contacts.