Embassy of IndiaThimphu

Third India-Bhutan High Impact Community Development Project Meeting

(Thimphu, 9 March 2026)

The 3^rd India-Bhutan High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Committee Meeting between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan under Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan was held on 9 March 2026 in Thimphu. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Aniket G. Mandavgane, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Thimphu and the Bhutanese delegation was led by Ms. Pema Tshomo, Director, Bilateral Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

2. HICDPs cover community-focused projects with short implementation timelines that support sectors such as rural connectivity, drinking water supply, irrigation, agriculture infrastructure, flood protection, tourism development, township infrastructure and waste management. These projects are implemented by local governments, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas and expand economic opportunities for local communities and contribute to enhanced livelihoods, job creation and food security.

3. For the 13^th Five Year Plan period of Bhutan, Government of India has committed assistance for HICDPs of Nu. 10 billion (INR 1,000 crores), out of overall commitment of Nu. 100 billion. So far, an amount of Nu. 4.97 billion (INR 497 crores) has been released by the Government of India to the Royal Government of Bhutan for implementation of HICDP projects. During the meeting, the Committee approved 5 additional projects of total amount of Nu. 32 million (INR 3.2 crores) and reviewed the progress in implementation of the first and second batches of HICDP projects. As of now, a total 571 projects at a value of Nu. 8.46 billion (INR 846 crores) have been agreed and are being implemented by India and Bhutan.

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9 March 2026
Thimphu