India approves assistance to Bhutan

New Delhi, March 29: The Union Cabinet of India on March 29 gave its approval to continue the Indian assistance under ‘Aid to Bhutan’ Non-Plan budget of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) towards Bhutan’s extended Ninth Plan (July 2002 – June 2008).

According to Press Information Bureau, the GOI package for the Ninth Plan comprises of Development Subsidy, GOI Project Tied Assistance and Refunds and Subsidies

The package would be total Rs. 2610.14 crore.

This decision will result in continued strengthening of Bhutan-India relations based on our strategic and economic interests in an area of high geo-political sensitivity.

It will support to the new King of Bhutan, and Bhutan’s transition to a Constitutional democracy. It will also generate the opportunities of Indian companies to participate in major projects and strengthen goodwill for India in Bhutan by fulfilling our existing commitments. Bhutan News Service