India, Bhutan hold development cooperation talks

India and Bhutan on Friday held development cooperation talks as a part of bilateral mechanism to review the entire gamut of New Delhi's development partnership with Thimphu.

The sixth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held in New Delhi.

The Indian delegation was led by Vijay Gokhale, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, and the Bhutanese delegation was led by Dasho Sonam Tshong, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan.

The two sides reviewed the implementation of projects funded by the Indian Government in the 11th Plan, which includes Project Tied Assistance and Small Development Projects.

India has committed assistance of Rs. 4,500 crore for the 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 4,500 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 the appreciation of the Royal Government of Bhutan for the invaluable support 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. Its 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.