Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concludes his first visit to Bhutan

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri successfully concluded his visit to Bhutan with both sides approving projects worth Rs 5000  areas, including connectivity, Infrastructure, energy, education and health.

Vikram Misri was on an official bilateral visit to Bhutan from 19-20 July 2024 at the Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden.

This was the first official visit to any country by Vikram Misri after being appointed as the 35th Foreign Secretary of India in July 2024.

Indian Economic Assistance to Bhutan 

India and Bhutan share close political and economic ties based on the Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship, signed in 1949 and revised and updated in 2007 as the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty.

The treaty provides for free trade and commerce between the two countries, and India is committed to supporting Bhutan's economic development. 

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan in March 2024, he announced that India would provide Rs 10,000 crore for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan. 

During Vikram Misri's visit, 61 Projects worth Rs  4,958 crores were approved in Bhutan in the fields of connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, digital economy, e-mobility, cultural heritage, capacity building, industrial parks, sports, youth exchanges, and space technology. 

These projects will be financed through Indian assistance of Rs 10,000 crore, as announced by PM Modi.

India also said that subject to progress in project implementation, it may provide Rs 1,500 crore to Bhutan for an economic stimulus programme in the next 18 months.

The two countries also virtually inaugurated 19 schools constructed during Bhutan's 12th five-year plan with Indian assistance.

Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is also known as Druk Yul, which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim share a land border with Bhutan. 

India shares a 699 km border with Bhutan.

Capital: Thimphu

Currency: Nagultram

Language spoken in Bhutan-Dzongkha

King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Prime Minister: Tshering Tobgay