Press Release

The first Bhutan-India Development Cooperation Talks for the 12 th Five Year Plan
(FYP) between the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) and the Government of
India (GoI) was held on Friday, 26 th April 2019, in Thimphu. The Bhutanese
delegation was led by Mr. Sonam Tshong, Foreign Secretary, and the Indian
delegation by H.E. Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India.
During the State Visit to India by Lyonchhen (Dr.) Lotay Tshering from 27-29
December 2018, Prime Minister Modi had announced that GoI would provide Nu. 45
billion for Bhutan’s 12 th FYP.
During the talks on 26 th April, the two sides discussed and finalized various
components of the assistance. It was agreed that the break-up of Nu. 45,000 million
committed by GoI for the 12 th FYP would be as follows: Program Grant (PG): Nu.
8,500 million; Project Tied Assistance (PTA): Nu. 28,000 million; and Small
Development Projects (SDP): Nu. 8,500 million.
The Bhutanese side provided a brief on the objectives and priorities of the 12 th FYP,
and presented project proposals to be implemented under PTA during the ongoing
Plan period. The Talks approved 51 projects under PTA, which includes 31 new
projects in the 12 th Plan, and 20 multi-plan projects initiated in the 11 th Plan.
The delegation also reviewed the importance of the ongoing areas of cooperation
and other project proposals that are being taken up outside the Plan purview.
The Bhutanese side expressed appreciation to the Government of India for its
generous support to Bhutan’s 12 th FYP. The Indian side reiterated its commitment to
support Bhutan’s 12 th FYP.
The two sides agreed to hold the next Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi,
India at a mutually convenient date later this year.
The first Bhutan-India Development Cooperation Talks for the 12 th FYP was
successfully held in a friendly atmosphere in keeping with the excellent ties of
friendship existing between the two countries.
During the visit, the Secretary (West) received an Audience with His Majesty The
King today. He paid a courtesy call on Hon’ble Lyonchhen (Dr.) Lotay Tshering on
25 th April, and Hon’ble Foreign Minister, (Dr.) Tandi Dorji, on 26 th April 2019.