India–Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks 2025: A Stronger Future Together

New Delhi, 1 June 2025

India and Bhutan share one of the most trusted and mutually respectful bilateral relationships in the world. This unique friendship is built on a strong foundation of geographical proximity, cultural affinity, strategic trust, and decades of successful development cooperation.

On June 30, 2025, India hosted the 4th round of Development Cooperation Talks with Bhutan in New Delhi. The meeting was part of the collaborative effort to support Bhutan’s ongoing development goals under its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029).

The Meeting: A Review and a Renewal

High-Level Representation

The talks were co-chaired by Shri J.P. Singh, Additional Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs (India), and Ms. Pema Choden, Foreign Secretary of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The presence of senior officials underscored the importance both nations place on this structured cooperation mechanism.

Warmth and Clarity in Dialogue

Held in a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere, the talks reflected the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration that defines India–Bhutan ties. It wasn’t just a review—it was a renewal of shared goals for sustainable development, mutual growth, and people-centric progress.

India's Support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan

India reaffirmed its continued commitment to partner with Bhutan on the implementation of its development agenda. Under Bhutan's 13th Plan, India’s financial assistance remains a critical support pillar, covering a wide range of sectors including:

• Health

• Education

• Infrastructure

• Rural development

• Urban services

• Agriculture and livestock

These areas align with Bhutan’s priorities for inclusive growth, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Key Announcements from the Talks

Approval of Ten New Projects

One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the approval of ten new Project-Tied Assistance (PTA) projects. These projects target high-impact areas like:

• Healthcare infrastructure development

• Connectivity and road upgrades

• Urban facilities

• Agriculture and livestock services

The projects will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for Bhutanese citizens, especially in remote and rural areas.

Progress Review of Ongoing Initiatives

The two sides also reviewed the implementation status of projects already being supported by India under the 13th Plan. Both countries expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and discussed ways to further enhance efficiency and timely completion.

The Nature of India–Bhutan Development Cooperation

A Model of South-South Partnership

India’s development cooperation with Bhutan is not based on aid—it is based on partnership, ownership, and mutual benefit. Projects are identified in close consultation with Bhutanese agencies, ensuring they align with national priorities and local needs.

Capacity Building and Community Empowerment

In addition to funding, India supports Bhutan through technical expertise, training programs, and institutional collaboration. This model of cooperation empowers Bhutanese institutions and strengthens their capacity for long-term self-reliance.

Looking to the Future: The Next Round in Thimphu

The talks concluded with a mutual agreement to hold the next round of Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. This rotating format of meetings highlights the balanced and respectful nature of the partnership.

The next meeting is expected to focus on:

• Monitoring progress on the newly approved PTA projects

• Evaluating the social and economic impact of ongoing initiatives

• Exploring new areas of cooperation, such as digital infrastructure and green energy

Why This Matters: More Than Just Diplomacy

India’s partnership with Bhutan represents a broader vision for the region—a vision of inclusive growth, people-first governance, and shared prosperity. In an era where international partnerships are often transactional, the India–Bhutan model stands out for its sincerity and depth.

Whether it’s supporting Bhutan’s education system, building hospitals, connecting villages through better roads, or boosting local economies through agriculture, each project under this cooperation has a human face and long-term significance.

A Partnership That Sets an Example

The India–Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks of 2025 reaffirm the two countries’ unwavering commitment to each other’s well-being. It is a partnership built not just on diplomacy, but on decades of genuine friendship.

As Bhutan moves forward with its 13th Five-Year Plan, India remains not just a supporter, but a trusted development partner—sharing the dream of a more resilient, connected, and empowered Himalayan region.