On September 24, 2025, His Excellency Sandeep Arya, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Bhutan, presented his credentials to His Majesty The King. Ambassador Arya succeeds His Excellency Sudhakar Dalela and previously served as India’s Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam.
Following the credential ceremony, Ambassador Arya held meetings with senior members of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
He called on H.E. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, the Finance Minister of Bhutan, and held fruitful discussions focused on bilateral economic, financial, and development cooperation, reaffirming these as significant pillars of the special partnership between Bhutan and India.
The Hon’ble Finance Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for its steadfast and continued support as Bhutan’s largest and most important development partner. Under the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP), India disbursed INR 50 billion by June 2024, and under the ongoing 13th FYP, India has committed INR 100 billion, including INR 15 billion under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
The Minister also extended gratitude to Ambassador Arya and his team at the Embassy of India, expressing optimism for further strengthening collaboration in achieving the ambitious goals of the 13th FYP for the benefit of the Bhutanese people. The discussions also explored avenues for deepening cooperation beyond financial assistance, including knowledge-sharing and strategic engagement.
Ambassador Arya also met with H.E. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, the Foreign Minister of Bhutan, during which both sides discussed ways to further strengthen the special and enduring friendship between Bhutan and India.
