The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Over 83 percent of India’s commitment disbursed within two years as support for education, skills development and the 13th Five-Year Plan continues
India handed over the next tranche of Nu. 2.5 billion as part of its support to Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP). With the latest disbursement, India has released more than 83 percent of its total commitment for the Economic Stimulus Programme under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan period from 2024 to 2029, before the completion of the first two years of the plan. India also handed over Nu. 464 million for the education sector and skill development. The contribution forms part of the Project Assistance under the India-Bhutan development partnership.
The assistance includes Nu. 337 million for a Professional Development and Immersion Programme for teachers, counsellors and education leaders. A further Nu. 67.4 million was provided for a Digital Skilling Programme to support Project Drukyul. In addition, Nu. 59.7 million was allocated for the recruitment of STEM teachers serving in Bhutanese schools.
Speaking on the occasion, the Indian Ambassador Sandeep Arya said that over the last nine months since arriving in Bhutan, it has been a matter of enormous fulfilment to serve and nurture the special and unique friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He said the deep mutual trust, understanding and goodwill between India and Bhutan were truly exceptional, and India was pleased to strengthen and enhance the relationship through greater cooperation and partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan.
The Ambassador said India has been ensuring efficient and timely disbursement of all its support to Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. Thus far, India has released Nu. 34 billion to Bhutan out of its commitment of Nu. 100 billion for the five-year period from 2024 to 2029. He added that as the implementation of agreed large projects in Bhutan gathers pace in the coming year, India will take forward its cooperation and support in close consultation and collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Referring to Bhutan’s recently adopted 2026-27 budget, he said the budget documents showed that grants from India account for more than 30 percent of the total capital expenditure and 72 percent of all external development grants for the coming year. The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its support to the Economic Stimulus Programme, noting its positive impact on farmers, students, youth, Desuups, small and medium enterprises, start-ups, the creative industry, and the hospitality and tourism sectors. The Foreign Minister also thanked the Government of India for approving the Royal Government of Bhutan’s proposal to allocate Nu. 2.5 billion from the ESP for the National Fuel Price Smoothening Framework. The initiative has helped ease inflationary pressures on the economy arising from the global fuel crisis.
