Thimphu, Sep 19 — In a significant boost to bilateral ties and grassroots development, the Tsirang Multi-Sports Hall—an India-Bhutan friendship project—was inaugurated on Friday, the Indian Embassy in Thimphu announced via social media. The newly opened indoor sports complex is expected to greatly benefit the local community, fostering sports and youth engagement in the Tsirang district.
“The Tsirang Multi-Sports Hall, an India-Bhutan friendship project, was inaugurated today! A new indoor sports complex to serve the local community. Honoured to partner with the Royal Government of Bhutan in development of sports infrastructure across the country,” read a post from the Indian Embassy on X (formerly Twitter).
The inauguration coincides with the 2nd India-Bhutan High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) Committee Meeting, held in Thimphu on Thursday. During the meeting, both countries reviewed and approved 297 new projects worth Nu. 4.06 billion (INR 406 crore) for implementation under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (FYP).
The Indian delegation was led by Aniket G Mandavgane, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, while Bhutan’s side was headed by Pema Tshomo, Director of the Bilateral Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
HICDPs are small-scale, quick-impact projects focused on areas such as rural connectivity, water supply, irrigation, agriculture infrastructure, flood protection, tourism, and waste management. These projects are primarily executed by local governments, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
India has committed Nu. 100 billion (INR 10,000 crore) for Bhutan’s 13th FYP, with Nu. 10 billion (INR 1,000 crore) allocated specifically for HICDPs. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the first batch of HICDPs, approving 275 revised projects worth Nu. 4.40 billion (INR 440 crore).
The discussions took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, underscoring the deep-rooted and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan.
