Relations between India and Bhutan have remained dynamic in nature driven by common interests at political, economic and security levels
India and Bhutan on Friday held annual development cooperation talks in New Delhi and reviewed the progress of the projects supported by the Indian government under the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
 
Through the 12th Five Year Plan bilateral partnership, 83 project-tied assistance and 524 high impact community development projects in areas of education, health, digital development, capacity development, law, infrastructure, trade, agriculture, sports, and culture have been successfully implemented, the MEA said.
 
Both sides discussed priority sectors and projects for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan to achieve Thimphu’s goal of a ‘Healthy, Prosperous and Secure Bhutan,’ the Ministry said.
 
At the annual development cooperation talks, India conveyed that it will continue to work together with Bhutan on the Himalayan nation’s development agenda in line with priorities and aspirations of the Bhutanese government, the MEA said.
 
The Bhutanese side expressed appreciation to the people and the Indian government for their unwavering support and cooperation extended to the Himalayan nation during the difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MEA added.
 
At the annual development cooperation talks, the Indian delegation was led by Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary and other officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Bhutanese delegation was led by Aum Pema Choden, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and included senior officials from the Bhutanese government.
 
The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere in keeping with the excellent bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
 
The two sides agreed to hold the next development cooperation talks in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.