The Annual India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held on 10 November 2017 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Vijay Gokhale, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, and the delegation from Bhutan was led by Dasho Sonam Tshong, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan.
The Annual Development Cooperation Talks is an important bilateral mechanism to review the entire gamut of India’s development partnership with Bhutan. Government of India has committed assistance of Rs. 4500 Crore for implementation of development projects during Bhutan’s 11th Five Year Plan (2013 - 2018). Over 675 projects, including 595 small development projects, have been under implementation in Bhutan during the XIth plan period within GOI’s committed assistance of Rs 4500 Crore.
With Bhutan’s 11th Five Year Plan (2013-2018) entering its final phase, the two sides noted with satisfaction the overall progress in the implementation of ongoing bilateral development projects in Bhutan.The Bhutanese side conveyed appreciation of the Royal Government of Bhutan for the invaluable support of the Government of India for their socio-economic development priorities, and for timely disbursements of funds for the ongoing projects. The two sides also initiated discussions on Government of India’s assistance to the 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023) of the Royal Government of Bhutan. India has been a privileged partner of Bhutan in its socio-economic development. GOI’s commitment to continue its support to Bhutan in its development efforts was reiterated by the Indian side.
The two sides agreed to hold the next Development Cooperation Talks in 2018 in Thimphu on a mutually agreed date. The Annual India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held in a friendly atmosphere in keeping with the close and friendly ties between the two countries.
New Delhi
November 10, 2017