Embassy of IndiaThimphu, Bhutan

Embassy of India

Thimphu

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Press Release

15^th Monthly Coordination Meeting on India’s support to Royal Government of Bhutan under 13^th Five Year Plan

The 15^th Monthly Coordination Meeting between Embassy of India, Thimphu (EoI) and Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) for Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan was held on 03 February 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Chief of Mission, EoI and Director General, Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF), Ministry of Finance, RGoB. Officials from various RGoB ministries, agencies, and EoI participated in the meeting.

2. Both sides reviewed progress and addressed implementation issues of the following projects supported by Government of India in the 13^th Five Year Plan period:

(i) 24x7 water supply in Thromde and peri-urban areas: The project seeks to deliver to Thimphu and nearby areas 24x7 access to safe and clean drinking water through construction of a new transmission line and distribution networks, water reservoir tanks at strategic locations, installation of smart flow metres connected with SCADA system etc.

(ii) ⁠Transport and Mobility Improvement in NCR: This project will improve transportation and mobility infrastructure in Thimphu, from Begana in the north to Rama in the south, through design and construction of roads, footpaths, bridges, taxi ranks, signages, cycle paths, parking areas and freight logistics hub.

(iii) Healthcare Services Enhancement (including PEMA Secretariat): The project will improve access to healthcare in Bhutan through recruitment of nurses from India for Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and support for PEMA Secretariat to undertake capacity building and exchange programmes with India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in the field of mental health.

(iv) Trade and Investment Infrastructure and Facilitation measures: The project has two components: (i) Construction of three dry ports in Pasakha, Gelephu and Nganglam, which will enhance logistical support within Bhutan and facilitate cross-border movement of goods; and (ii) Support for Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) to promote private sector development in Bhutan.

(v) ⁠Augmentation of TTI Dekiling to Power Training Institute: The project involves development of additional infrastructure at Jigme Wangchuck Power Training Institute (JWPTI) in Dekiling which provides training for the energy sector and power utilities.

(vi) Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP): Status of implementation of activities by Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) and Department of Industry for Cottage & Small Industry (CSI) development.

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03 February 2026

Thimphu