Embassy of IndiaThimphu

A. Excerpts from MEA Annual report wrt Bhutan

India and Bhutan share close and friendly relations characterized by deep mutual trust and understanding. On 28 April 2015 PM Tobgay and Ambassador formally launched the 24 central schools at Wangbama Central School in Genekha, Thimphu. GoI has supported the establishment of 37 central schools with Rs. 348.719 crores through its Project Tied Assistance (PTA) programme. The Nehru-Wangchuck Scholarship Scheme scholars were awarded to eight scholars for the year 2015-16, while the stipend for all scholars was doubled in pursuance of the announcement to that effect by PM during his visit to Bhutan in June 2014. The India Bhutan Bilateral Trade and Transit Meeting was held in Thimphu on 25-27 May 2015 where the Indian delegation was led by the Shri Rajeev Kher, Commerce Secretary and the Bhutanese delegation was led by the Dasho Sonam P. Wangdi, Officiating Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs. A Bhutanese Parliamentary delegation led jointly by the Speaker of the National Assembly Lyonpo Jigme Zangpo and Chairman of the National Council Dr. Sonam Kinga visited India from 9-14 August 2015. Earlier, a five member official delegation from Royal Government of Bhutan led by Chairman, Legislative Committee of National Assembly of Bhutan, visited New Delhi on 18-19 June 2015 to understand treaty ratification procedure. On 21 June 2015, the Mission organized a mega Yoga session at the Royal Institute of Management to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. PM Tobgay graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Two visits to India were made by the Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs, Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk: (i) leading a 5-member delegation from 8-13 July 2015, during which he met MoS(I/C) for Power; and (ii) from 28-30 September 2015 to attend the South Asia Economic Conclave in New Delhi. Secretary (Border Management), MHA, visited Bhutan on 2-4 September 2015 for the 10th Round of IndiaBhutan Secretary-Level Talks on Border Management and Security. The 14th Meeting of the Empowered Joint Group on Hydropower Cooperation was held in Thimphu on 3 August 2015. Indian delegation was led by Sujata Mehta, Secretary (M&ER) from Ministry of External Affairs. A decision to construct three more joint venture (JV) hydropower projects to generate 1,520 MW of electricity was taken during the meeting.

The Government of India approved a total of 182 projects out of 218 worth Rs. 240 crores during the Third Bhutan India Small Development Project Committee Meeting in Thimphu on 27 August 2015. The 4th Annual India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held on 2 September 2015 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Sujata Mehta, Secretary (M&ER) and the Bhutanese delegation was led by Dasho Tshering Dorji, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan.

PM Tobgay met Prime Minister on the sidelines of the UN Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015 in New York. The two Leaders discussed hydropower projects, SDGs, climate change, progress on small development projects, tourism, and the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative. On the invitation of PM Tobgay, Chief Minister of West Bengal Smt. Mamata Banerjee visited Bhutan from 5 – 9 October 2015. During the visit, she called on PM, Minister of Economic Affairs Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk and Foreign Minister Lyonpo Damcho Dorji. She also received an audience with His Majesty the King and the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Damcho Dorji, visited India from 22 - 28 October 2015. This was his first visit abroad after assuming office. During the visit, he held discussions with EAM in New Delhi and also attended the 3rd International Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Indore, organized by the India Foundation.

PM Tobgay visited India from 13-17 November 2015 to attend the 2nd India Ideas Conclave - 2015 on ‘Learning from Civilization’ at Goa. During the visit, Home Minister, Minister of Railways, Minister of State for Commerce, Minister of State for Power and Foreign Secretary called on PM Tobgay. PM Togbay thereafter visited Kolkata from 6-9 January, 2016 on invitation of the State Government of West Bengal to participate in the ‘Bengal Global Business Summit 2016’.

Minister of Labour and Human Resources of Bhutan, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo visited India from 20-25 December 2015. He held meetings with Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, MoS for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, MoS for Labour and Employment and other senior officials.

B. Budget allocation to Bhutan under India’s Technical Cooperation Programme

C. List of MoUs signed between India and Bhutan in 2015

D. Details of Incoming Visits by Heads of State / Heads of Government / Vice Presidents / Foreign Ministers and Equivalent to India in 2015

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