17th Monthly Coordination Meeting on India’s support to Royal Government of Bhutan under 13th Five Year Plan

Monthly Coordination on India-Bhutan Cooperation under the 13^th Five Year Plan

The 17^th Monthly Coordination Meeting between Embassy of India, Thimphu and Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) on cooperation under Bhutan's 13^th Five Year Plan was held today. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Thimphu and Director General, Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF), Ministry of Finance, RGoB. Officials from concerned ministries and agencies of RGoB and Embassy of India participated in the meeting.

1. 2. During the meeting, Deputy Chief of Mission of India handed over cheques amounting to INR/Nu. 423 million (42.3 crores) to the Ministry of Finance, RGoB, towards implementation of projects under Bhutan's 13^th Five Year Plan for the following projects:

(i) Infrastructure Development for Dratshang: INR/Nu. 168.6 million (16.86 crores) was released for strengthening infrastructure facilities for the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body); conductive living, learning, and spiritual environments; preservation and continuity of cultural and spiritual practices; sanitation, safety, and wellbeing of monks and nuns.
(ii) Construction of Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH: INR/Nu. 150.1 million (15.01 crores) was released for "construction of modern, high standard Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH". The bridge was inaugurated on 27 March 2026.
(iii) Improvement of Yongkola-Lingmethang PNH: INR/Nu. 54.4 million (5.44 crores) was released for upgrading 17 km road to the standard of a Primary National Highway to align with the entire length of the Northern East West Highway (NEWH). This would facilitate smooth and fast movement of all types of vehicular traffic and reduce travel time, vehicle operating cost as well as risk for the commuters.
(iv) Development of physical infrastructure and facilities at the Royal Institute of Management: INR/Nu. 49.9 million (4.99 crores) was released for up-gradation & development of Royal Institute of Management (RIM) campus including renovation of hostels; procurement of library resources, computers and accessories for labs and offices; and establishment of linkages with Indian institutions.

1. 3. The two sides also reviewed progress and addressed implementation issues of the following Government of India-supported projects under the 13^th Five Year Plan:

(i) 'Human Resource Development and Skilling Programmes' being implemented by Ministry of Education and Skills Development to enhance productivity and performance of workforce engaged in different priority sectors through re-skilling and up-skilling activities.
(ii) Status of implementation of activities under Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

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6 April 2026
Thimphu