Release of India’s Support to Royal Government of Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan

Release of India's Support to Royal Government of Bhutan under the 13^th Five Year Plan

The 16^th Monthly Coordination Meeting between the Embassy of India (EoI), Thimphu and Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) on cooperation under Bhutan's 13^th Five Year Plan was held on 03/03/2026. 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), under Ministry of Finance, RGoB. Officials from concerned ministries, agencies of RGoB and Embassy of India participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Mission of India handed over cheques amounting to INR/Nu. 1.24 billion (124 crores) to the Ministry of Finance, RGoB, towards Government of India's commitment under Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan for the following projects:

• Development of quality and fit-for-purpose infrastructure for colleges:

INR/Nu. 469 million (46.9 crores) was released for infrastructure development of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), covering eight colleges under RUB. It supports new infrastructure development and renovation of existing infrastructure, including technological upgradation, science laboratories, staff quarters and student hostels, green energy initiatives, safety and security, and enhancement of sporting facilities.

• Development and Maintenance of Irrigation Channels:

INR/Nu. 262 million (26.2 crores) was released as the next tranche for the project "Development and Maintenance of Irrigation Channels". Under this project, 24 irrigation schemes in 17 Dzongkhags with a total length of 141.26 km and command area of 5511 acres, benefitting 3161 households, are being constructed.

INR/Nu. 202 million (20.2 crores) was released for Establishing 3 Mega Farms. Pemathang (61 acres) and Samrang (43.15 acres) in Samdrup Jongkhar and Yarjugang (435 acres) in Wangduephodrang. These commercial farms will produce various fruits and vegetables. Using advanced agricultural technologies, employ de-suups and youth and meaningfully engage Open Air Prisoners in farming activities.

• Strengthening Good Governance and Research:

INR/Nu. 60 million (6 crores) was released for Strengthening Good Governance and Research towards socio-economic objectives of the government. Main components of this project are (a) Support to Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and Civil Society Organization Authority (CSOA) and (b) Exchange programme for public agencies, CSOs and Think Tanks with Indian institutions.

INR/Nu. 250 million (25 crores) as the seventh tranche of Programme Grant, which is direct budgetary support by India to RGoB.

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:

• 'Professional Development and Immersion/Exchange Programs for Teachers, Education Leaders and Students' to improve the quality of school education in Bhutan through Professional Development programmes and Immersion programmes.

• 'Healthcare Services Enhancement' through support to the National Medical Services to undertake the recruitment of nurses from India for Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH).

• Construction of '500 kW Lunana Mini Hydropower project' for electrification of the last 10 unelectrified villages in Bhutan, benefiting around 700 people across 173

• 'Infrastructure Development for Legal Education and Research' by supporting Phase-II construction at JSW School of Law including academic infrastructure, office space, student and staff residences, security, and indoor recreational facilities.

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3 March 2026

Thimphu