India-Bhutan Strengthen Development Partnership During 3rd Plan Talks

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden reviewed India-Bhutan development partnerships in the 3rd Development Cooperation Talks. They discussed the implementation of the 13th Five Year Plan, highlighting India's INR/Nu 10,000 crore support. Misri also inaugurated 19 schools constructed under the 12th FYP in Bhutan.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday reviewed the implementation modalities and cooperation in diverse areas of the India-Bhutan development partnership with his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden.

The two foreign secretaries co-chaired the 3rd India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, commonly referred to as 'Plan Talks' of the 13th Five Year Plan, which emphasize developmental cooperation and mutual interests.

The Embassy of India in Thimphu posted on X, ''Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri & Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden co-chaired the 3rd Development Cooperation Talks of the 13th Five Year Plan.''

The discussions reviewed implementation modalities and cooperation in diverse areas of the development partnership under the 13 FYP period.

India is extending development support amounting to INR/Nu 10,000 crore for the 13th Plan period. The support aligns with the priorities of the Bhutan government, focusing on sectors such as connectivity, infrastructure, cultural heritage, health, education, energy, agriculture, skilling, and digital economy. Both sides acknowledged the success of numerous Bhutan-India development projects executed under the 12th FYP.

In addition, the Foreign Secretaries virtually inaugurated 19 schools in Bhutan, constructed during the 12th FYP period.

This visit marks Misri's first foreign tour since he assumed charge recently. He also met with Bhutan's Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Lyonpo D N Dhungyel.

(With inputs from agencies.)