India, Bhutan held second round of development talks

NEW DELHI: India and Bhutan have discussed the modalities of India-assisted projects in Bhutan, including the phase-wise financial requirements for the schemes.

This was discussed during the second round of talks between the two nations on Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan which were held here recently.

The Bhutanese delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Yeshey Dorji and the lndian delegation by Additional Secretary, Development Partnership Administration (DPA), Sujata Mehta.

The main focus of the talks was on the 'Project Tied Assistance (PTA)' under which India has committed Rs 28 billion.

The talks approved 39 projects under PTA, with 42 projects to be further considered after submitting more information. lt was also agreed that projects above Rs 500 million shall require detailed project reports.

During Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay's visit to New Delhi in August 2013, India had committed Rs 45 billion to Bhutan's 11th Plan. In addition, India also committed Rs 5 billion for the Economic Stimulus Plan and Rs 3.95 billion being balance funds for the 10th Plan.