Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his two-day official visit to Bhutan, during which India approved 12 new development projects worth ₹332 crore and reviewed the implementation of ₹10,000 crore assistance under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.
India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership with the successful conclusion of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's two-day official visit to Bhutan. During the visit, both countries reviewed development cooperation, approved new infrastructure and healthcare projects, and signed agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Vikram Misri concluded a two-day official visit to Bhutan.
India and Bhutan held the 5th Development Cooperation Talks for the 13th Five-Year Plan.
India approved 12 new development projects worth ₹332 crore.
₹4,000 crore Line of Credit operationalised for Bhutan's energy projects.
AIIMS Delhi and Bhutan's Khesar Gyalpo University signed an MoU on medical education and research.
Both countries reviewed cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy and regional affairs.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his two-day official visit to Bhutan on Friday after holding a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening the India–Bhutan development partnership.
During the visit, Mr Misri co-chaired the Fifth India–Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029). Both sides reviewed the progress of India's ₹10,000 crore financial assistance committed to support Bhutan's national development priorities.
As part of the discussions, 12 new Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects worth ₹332 crore were approved. The projects span critical sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, urban development and disaster management, reflecting the broad scope of bilateral cooperation.
Editorial Analysis
Why It Matters
India is Bhutan's largest development partner and one of its closest strategic allies. The approval of new projects and financial assistance reinforces India's commitment to Bhutan's long-term development while enhancing regional connectivity, energy cooperation and people-to-people engagement in the Himalayan region.
A major outcome of the visit was the exchange of the Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank). The agreement operationalises a ₹4,000 crore concessional Line of Credit to support energy and hydropower-related projects in Bhutan, further strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.
The two sides also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan. The agreement aims to promote collaboration in medical research, education, faculty exchange and professional training.
During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri called on His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel.
The leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including development partnership, trade and investment, connectivity, clean energy cooperation, regional developments and strengthening people-to-people ties. Bhutan appreciated India's continued support for its socio-economic development programmes under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The visit reaffirmed the close and trusted partnership between India and Bhutan, which remains one of India's most important neighbourhood relationships under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
