The Indian Embassy in Thimphu announced on Tuesday that India has handed over ₹290 crore (2.90 billion Ngultrum) for various development projects under the Himalayan nation of Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
This financial assistance was provided during the 19th monthly coordination meeting held between officials from the Indian Embassy in Thimphu and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB). The meeting aimed to review the progress of India-supported projects and discuss their future implementation.
According to the Indian Embassy, India handed over cheques worth ₹290 crore to Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance as part of its commitment to support Bhutan’s development priorities under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The funding covers a range of projects related to education, infrastructure, healthcare, digital connectivity, agriculture, and institutional development.
Key initiatives include the development of modern infrastructure at colleges affiliated with the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), human resource development and skills programs, as well as professional development and exchange programs for teachers, educational leaders, and students.
This assistance will also support the second phase of chain-link fencing to protect agricultural crops, the redevelopment of the Phuentsholing Sports Association (PSA) ground under the Phuentsholing Thromde Enhancement Program (PTEP), and the establishment of the National Weather and Flood Warning Centre (NWFWC) and scientific facilities in Thimphu.
Other projects include the introduction of digital technologies for teaching and learning across eight RUB colleges and digital skills programs under the ‘Digital Drukgyul’ initiative.
An amount of ₹8.83 crore (88.3 million Ngultrum) has been allocated for the digital skills program, which is expected to benefit approximately one million citizens across Bhutan’s ‘Gewogs’ (local administrative units). This funding covers infrastructure development at the Royal Institute of Management in Thimphu, the construction of the Thimphu District Court, and the renovation of Gelephu General Hospital. During the meeting, officials recalled the discussions held during the fifth ‘Plan Talks’ on July 30—led by the Foreign Secretaries of India and Bhutan—and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Bhutan on September 16–17.
Both sides reviewed the status of ongoing projects supported by the Government of India and appreciated the progress made under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
Key infrastructure projects reviewed included the reconstruction of existing highway bridges (including 11 new bridges currently under construction) and the development and upgradation of 37 central and cluster schools.
The meeting also addressed plans to procure 100 electric cars for government use and 45 electric buses for public transport, as well as the construction of new government office complexes for all ministries at two locations in Thimphu.
Officials also reviewed renewable energy initiatives supported by India, including the installation of solar and wind energy systems at educational institutions.
Progress on the Multi-Disciplinary Super Specialty Hospital (MDSSH) project was also discussed. This initiative entails establishing a 200-bed cancer hospital and a 430-bed inpatient and outpatient facility, alongside the existing Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and Thimphu General Hospital, following the successful launch of the MDSSH.
The meeting reiterated the commitment to maintaining continued cooperation and coordination between India and Bhutan in implementing development projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan.