India and Bhutan convened the 17th Monthly Coordination Meeting in Thimphu, focusing on the progress and future steps for various developmental projects in Bhutan that are backed by the Indian government. The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, Aniket Govind Mandavgane, and the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance within Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance. During this session, the Indian envoy presented cheques totaling Rs 42.3 crore (Bhutanese Nu 423 million) to Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance to fund projects under the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
Significant allocations included Rs 16.86 crore (Nu. 168.6 million) designated for enhancing infrastructure facilities for the Zhung Dratshang, Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body. This funding is intended to foster suitable living, educational, and spiritual settings, while also preserving cultural and spiritual traditions, ensuring the well-being and safety of monks and nuns. Additionally, Rs 15.01 crore (Nu. 150.1 million) was earmarked for the construction of the Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH, which was officially inaugurated on March 27. To improve road transportation, Rs 5.44 crore (Nu. 54.4 million) was allocated for upgrading 17 km of road to meet Primary National Highway standards, aiming to enhance vehicular movement and reduce travel times and operational costs.
Moreover, Rs 4.99 crore (Nu. 49.9 million) was assigned for upgrading and developing the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) campus, which covers hostel renovations, library resource procurement, and setting up connections with Indian institutions. Progress on Government of India-supported projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan was reviewed, which includes Human Resource Development and Skilling Programmes led by Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development, focusing on the re-skilling and up-skilling of the workforce in priority sectors. The status of activities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) was also a topic of discussion. Overall, India has committed Rs 10,000 crore for the 13th Five-Year Plan period, with systematic funding aimed at infrastructure development, including educational institutions, irrigation projects, mega farms, and governance enhancements to solidify the enduring bilateral partnership between India and Bhutan.