At the invitation of Bhutan's Foreign Secretary, Aum Pema Choden, Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, embarked on his inaugural official visit abroad from July 19-20, 2024.
During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri had an audience with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and also met with H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister, and H.E. D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. Additionally, Foreign Secretary Misri co-chaired the 3rd India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan alongside Foreign Secretary Pema Choden.
India and Bhutan share an exemplary partnership characterized by deep trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels, fostering strong bonds of friendship and extensive people-to-people interactions. The discussions between the two sides encompassed various facets of bilateral cooperation, including development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, and other regional issues of mutual importance.
During the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhutan from March 22-23, 2024, the Government of India pledged development support amounting to Nu. 100 billion (INR 10,000 Crores) for Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan. The Royal Government of Bhutan expressed gratitude for India's invaluable support towards Bhutan's socio-economic development. At the Plan Talks, both sides deliberated on the components of this assistance and the modalities for implementing development projects supported by India.
The Bhutanese delegation presented proposals for Project Tied Assistance (PTA) and the first tranche of PTA projects to be executed during the 13th Five Year Plan, totaling Nu. 49.58 billion (INR 4,958 Crores). These projects cover diverse sectors such as connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, industrial parks, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-mobility, and space technology, aligned with the vision of His Majesty The King of Bhutan and the priorities of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan. During the meeting, the two Foreign Secretaries jointly inaugurated 19 schools constructed during the 12th Five Year Plan period.
The Royal Government also briefed the Government of India on activities proposed under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP). Responding to Bhutan's request, India agreed to consider frontloading the entire Nu. 15 billion (INR 1,500 Crores) allocated for ESP within the first eighteen months, contingent upon progress in proposal implementation.
The talks were conducted in a warm and congenial atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding tradition of regular exchanges and the unique bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Both sides agreed to convene the next Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date, underscoring their commitment to further enhancing bilateral ties and advancing shared developmental goals.
Comentarios