Embassy of India

At the invitation of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), a delegation from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (GoI) visited Bhutan from 17-20 May 2026 for the Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) meeting on India-Bhutan development cooperation under the Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan. The meeting was co-chaired by Director (North), Ministry of External Affairs, and Director General, Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance. 

2. As an established joint review mechanism of bilateral development cooperation projects, the PMC meeting reviewed the progress and implementation efforts for the 71 medium-to-large scale Project Tied Assistance projects under implementation in Bhutan. These projects cover sectors such as connectivity, urban infrastructure, skill development, school and higher education, healthcare, conservation of cultural heritage, human resource development, trade & commerce, sports infrastructure, renewable energy, youth exchanges and e-mobility. The meeting also looked at the execution of High Impact Community Development Projects, Programme Grant and support for the Economic Stimulus Programme.

 3. Prior to the PMC meeting, the two sides undertook field visits to project sites such as National Weather and Flood Warning Center, Yusipang in Thimphu, Samtengang Central School & Yarjugang Agriculture Commercial Farm in Wangduephodrang, and Changyul Ritsa Irrigation Channel in Punakha Dzongkhags.

4. The Indian side expressed appreciation to the Bhutanese side for steady implementation of the projects and efforts to take them forward effectively. The Royal Government of Bhuan conveyed gratitude to the Government of India for the assistance and support which contributed enormously to development and social progress in Bhutan.

5. As part of Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan, GoI is supporting with INR/Nu. 100 billion (10,000 crores), out of which INR/Nu. 70 billion (7,000 crores) is being implemented through Project Tied Assistance projects, INR/Nu. 10 billion (1000 crores) for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), INR/Nu. 15 billion (1500 crores) towards Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and INR/Nu. 5 billion (500 crores) as Programme Grant or direct budgetary support to RGoB. Till date, INR/Nu. 31.08 billion (3108 crores) has been already released to RGoB in the implementation of the 13^th Five Year Plan. 

6. The meeting was held in a very friendly and warm atmosphere in keeping with close and unique ties of friendship, mutual respect, goodwill and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides agreed to hold the next PMC meeting on a mutually convenient date.

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Thimphu

19 May 2026