India and Bhutan further consolidated their longstanding partnership as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met his Bhutanese counterpart, Aum Pema Choden, in New Delhi for high-level consultations. Both sides reviewed the full breadth of bilateral engagement, highlighting significant progress across energy, infrastructure, and development cooperation.
One of the most notable achievements was the commissioning of all six units of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, a key milestone under the India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership. This project underscores the shared ambition of both nations to strengthen clean energy collaboration and ensure mutual growth in the power sector.
The consultations also saw the signing of a landmark Inter-Governmental MoU on railway connectivity. For the first time, India and Bhutan will establish cross-border rail links, with routes connecting Kokrajhar to Gelephu and Banarhat to Samtse. These links are designed to improve connectivity, bolster economic opportunities, and enhance people-to-people ties.
Development cooperation formed another major pillar of the discussions. India has pledged support worth $100 billion for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029). This commitment covers Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), support for Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Program (ESP), and direct budgetary aid through programme grants.
Currently, 61 PTA projects valued at $49.58 billion and 283 HICDPs worth $4.17 billion are underway, addressing crucial areas like healthcare, education, connectivity, and community welfare. Additionally, India has disbursed $7.5 billion for the ESP and $1 billion as a programme grant. During the talks, Bhutan presented the second tranche of PTA projects totaling $11.13 billion, targeting sectors such as healthcare, livestock, urban infrastructure, and connectivity.
Both governments reaffirmed their shared vision, guided by Bhutan’s King Druk Gyalpo and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to align development initiatives with Bhutan’s priorities. Officials stressed that the partnership is defined by deep trust, mutual goodwill, and close cultural ties, making it a model of regional cooperation.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to continue this momentum. The next round of Development Cooperation Talks will take place in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date, reinforcing the tradition of regular exchanges and the unique friendship between India and Bhutan.
