Embassy of India

The following Agreements were signed today between India and Bhutan in the presence of His Royal Highness Trongsa Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Crown Prince of Bhutan:

• Agreement between the Government of India and The Royal Government of Bhutan concerning cooperation in the field of Hydroelectric power between India and Bhutan. The Agreement lays down the framework for future bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan in the field of hydroelectric power by building upon the strengths of the two countries and their existing mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of hydropower development.
• Protocol to the Inter-Governmental Agreement signed on 5th March, 1996 on the setting up of the Tala Hydroelectric Project. The Protocol lays down the commercial arrangements for the purchase of Tala power by India. The Tala Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW) is the largest bilateral cooperation project undertaken by India in the field of hydropower in a foreign country.
• The Minister of Power of India, Shri Sushilkumar Shinde and Minister of Trade and Industry of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba signed the above agreements.
• Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit. The Agreement, which will remain valid for ten years, provides for continued free trade arrangements between India and Bhutan with simplified procedures, and additional facilities and routes for Bhutans transit trade with third countries.

The Agreement was signed by Minister of Commerce of India Shri Kamal Nath and Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba.

New Delhi