India is providing full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan
 
In a notable diplomatic engagement that expands on the strong bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra embarked on an official visit to Thimphu, Bhutan, from January 29 to 31, 2024. This visit highlights the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbouring countries and aims to discuss and enhance multifaceted cooperation across various sectors.
 
Upon his arrival, Foreign Secretary Kwatra engaged in substantive discussions with his Bhutanese counterpart, Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden. The talks spanned a broad array of topics, including development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, and economic ties, along with an emphasis on strengthening people-to-people connections. 
 
A key moment of the visit was his audience with His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This meeting was not only a formal gesture but also an important one, aiming to deepen the "unique ties of friendship" between India and Bhutan.
 
Foreign Secretary Kwatra's visit, the first high-level engagement from India following the formation of a new government under People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Tshering Tobgay, was marked by discussions on further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
 
The engagements with Bhutan's leadership, including a meeting with Prime Minister Tobgay and Foreign Minister Dinanath Dhungyel, specified the multifaceted nature of the ties between the two countries.
 
This visit comes against the setting of an expeditious resolution sought by China and Bhutan over their boundary row, a situation with potential implications for India's security interests.
 
Prior to the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the opportunity for wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral relationship, including the 13th Five Year Plan and cooperation in sectors like energy, trade, technology, connectivity, and infrastructure. This engagement serves to reaffirm the close and friendly relations between India and Bhutan, rooted in historical and cultural ties, and a shared commitment to a prosperous and peaceful region.
 
The visit of Foreign Secretary Kwatra to Bhutan is a bilateral solidifier between India and Bhutan, emphasizing continued dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. It is a reflection of the timeless friendship and cooperation that exists between the two countries, aimed at curating a stable, secure, and prosperous region.
 
Foreign Secretary Kwatra's visit comes a few months after the King of Bhutan held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on November 6, 2023.
 
According to the Joint Statement issued after the talks, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of His Majesty.
 
For the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan, India is providing an assistance of INR 45,000 crores, a bulk of which has been earmarked for Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects.
 
These projects are spread over various sectors, such as health, education, agriculture, economic development, ICT, infrastructure, urban development, technical and vocational training, judiciary, sports, and capacity building of public servants.