Indian Delegation Visits Bhutan, Explores Cooperation in Specialised Healthcare Services

An Indian medical value travel delegation visited Bhutan on August 19-20, 2026, to explore new areas of cooperation in healthcare and strengthen medical ties between the two countries. Facilitated by the Embassy of India in Bhutan and coordinated by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the delegation held meetings with senior Bhutanese government officials, healthcare institutions and representatives from the tourism and travel industry.

Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in specialised medical services, quality healthcare delivery and capacity building. The visiting representatives also explored ways to make medical value travel between India and Bhutan more accessible and beneficial for patients. An interaction involving Bhutan's Ministry of Health Secretary Dasho Pema Wangchuk, India's Ambassador to Bhutan and Pem Namgyal, President of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas for deeper healthcare cooperation.

The latest initiative comes shortly after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Thimphu, where he held discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay on strengthening bilateral relations across several sectors. During the visit, Misri also met Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and briefed him on progress in joint development projects. The Bhutanese monarch reiterated the country's commitment to further strengthening its close relationship with India.

According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the two countries have been reviewing cooperation across a wide range of areas, including development partnerships, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and people-to-people ties. Regional and other issues of mutual interest were also discussed. The focus on healthcare and medical value travel adds another dimension to the longstanding India-Bhutan partnership, with specialised medical expertise and institutional capacity-building emerging as potential areas for closer collaboration.