New Delhi, 18 September 2026: Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has reiterated India's support for Bhutan's developmental goals and priorities. During his visit to Bhutan, Dr. Jaishankare Bhutan's Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. All aspects of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual importance were reviewed with Dhungyel. Both sides appreciated the progress made in strengthening India-Bhutan partnership.
Jaishankar and Dhungyele inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of many development schemes. These schemes include the handover of 43 Jersey cows from India to the 'Gyaltsun Jetsun Pema Madhar and Child Hospital' at Mongar with a capacity of 65 beds, the Jagannathan Bridge on the Samdrup Dzongkhaar-Trashigang Highway and the 'National Livestock Breeding Center' at Bumthang, Bhutan. India also handed over 54 electric vehicles to the Bhutan government. Both the ministers also laid the foundation stone of 500 kilowatt Lunana Hydropower Scheme.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the 'Joint Vision Statement on Energy Partnership' adopted in March 2024. Both countries also took note of the recent progress made in cooperation in the energy sector. This includes the inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, signing of its tariff-related terms and resumption of dam construction work for the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Project.
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Both sides welcomed the agreement on concessional loan facility of Rs 4000 crore for energy projects in Bhutan. He also welcomed the active participation of Indian companies in Bhutan's hydropower projects and noted that this has provided further impetus to the existing energy cooperation between the two countries.
Jaishankar and Dhungye welcomed the launch of the UPI-based facility. With this, Bhutanese citizens will be able to make digital payments in India using Bhutan's mobile applications.
During the visit Dr. Jaishankar also met Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
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