Embassy of India

Embassy of India
Thimphu
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Press Release 

Indian Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) delegation in Bhutan

A business delegation representing 19 Indian service enterprises, coordinated by the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), visited Bhutan on 15-16 September 2026. The delegation included professionals of leading Indian firms providing services in Finance, Legal & Regulatory services, Healthcare, Risk Governance, Engineering, Infrastructure consultancy, Urban facilities, and ESG and Sustainability.

2. An interactive session on 15 September brought together senior officials and representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, business community, services sector, and other stakeholders. H.E. Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung, Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, RGoB and H.E. Mr. Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan, attended the inaugural session.

3. Ambassador Sandeep Arya highlighted India’s prominent standing globally in the services sector, particularly IT & IT-enabled services, business and financial services. He also mentioned growing trade in services sector in both India and Bhutan last year, and close government and people-level ties as well as expanding business relations paving the way to enhancing service trade between Indian and Bhutan. H.E. Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung shared insights on Bhutan's services sector and the opportunities for expanding cooperation with Indian businesses.

4. During the business interaction, members of the delegation presented the range of specialized services of their expertise which they seek to offer to users in Bhutan. The participants engaged with Bhutanese stakeholders on opportunities for collaboration in sectors of mutual importance.

5. During the visit, the delegation called on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The delegation had a productive interaction with the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Authority in Thimphu, which is an important opportunity for economic growth and development in Bhutan. They held fruitful interactions on expanding India-Bhutan service sector ties with business houses in Thimphu.

6. The India-Bhutan services sector opportunities encompasses trade in services, professional and technical services, information and communication technology, financial services, education and training, tourism, and other knowledge-based services. India and Bhutan have continued to strengthen cooperation in these areas through greater institutional linkages, capacity building, exchange of expertise, and opportunities for enhanced private-sector engagement. We would continue to work towards expanding and deepening bilateral collaboration in this important sector by assisting businesses and users in both countries.

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Thimphu
16 September 2026