AGP Executive Report

Bhutan-India Regional Links: Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) paid the Government of India a ₹43.86 crore dividend for FY2025-26, after reporting ₹3,335 crore operating revenue and ₹146 crore profit after tax; TCIL also lists overseas work including Bhutan and Nepal, underscoring cross-border state-linked infrastructure ties. Wildlife & Conservation: West Bengal began its first tiger reintroduction at Buxa Tiger Reserve with the release of a tigress translocated from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve on 2 October, with officials saying three more tigers are planned within two months—an effort that also cites Bhutan/Assam as possible sources of earlier stray sightings. Bhutan in the Spotlight (Culture/People): A feature on Brazilian visually impaired traveller Luiz Arten highlights Bhutan as a place of silence, spirituality, and accessible hospitality—an “other eyes” narrative that keeps Bhutan’s soft-power image in view. Security/Defense (South Asia): India’s Army announced new commanders for key northern formations, including Lt Gen Mohit Seth taking charge of the White Knight Corps, with his prior service connected to Bhutan-based training. Sports: Bhutan’s national cricket team lost a practice match to CAN-11 in Pokhara ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia qualifier.

Military Command: Lt Gen Mohit Seth has taken over as Commander of India’s White Knight Corps (16 Corps) in Nagrota, succeeding Lt Gen P K Mishra, with a focus on operational readiness and stability along the Line of Control. Regional Security: BIMSTEC member states met in New Delhi for the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime, discussing terrorism, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, anti-money laundering and legal cooperation, with Bhutan among the delegations. Bhutan in the News: Bhutan’s national cricket team lost a practice match to CAN-11 in Pokhara ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia qualifier; separately, His Majesty the King attended the Passing Out Parade of the Gyalsung Training 2026 batch (Cohort 2). Climate & Himalayas: A Bhutan-linked climate warning story highlights how Himalayan communities are seeing unpredictable rivers and shifting seasons, while another report flags glacier-adjacent mining risks in Tibet. Policy/Legal: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered exit permits for three children of Bhutanese refugees to reunite with parents in the US. Health & Development: TOWER and Druk Holding & Investments announced a partnership to build Bhutan’s Generational Health ecosystem.

Bhutan in Regional Security: Bhutan joined all BIMSTEC members in New Delhi for the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime, where delegations discussed traditional and emerging threats and reviewed sub-groups on human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, anti-money laundering, and legal cooperation. Royal & Defence: His Majesty The King attended the Passing Out Parade of the Gyalsung Training 2026 Batch (Cohort 2) at Gyalsung Academy in Khotokha, Wangdue, with senior officials and opposition leader present. Education & Youth: Nazhoen Pelri School (under Bhutan Youth Development Fund) is hiring a Vice Principal for Thimphu, with applications due Oct 31, 2026. Sports & Representation: Team Bhutan’s students are set for the FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea (Oct 7–10), aiming to compete on wildfire prevention and recovery themes. Cross-Border Movement: Bhutanese refugee children in Nepal received a Supreme Court mandamus order requiring exit permits so they can reunite with parents in the US. Climate Justice Angle: A Himalayan climate justice piece highlights how communities across the region are seeing unpredictable rivers, unstable slopes, and shifting seasons—issues that demand cross-border preparedness, not just post-disaster response. Tourism & Culture Links: The Kanchenjunga Tourism Festival (KTF) 2026 wrapped up with Bhutan, Nepal and others participating, underscoring shared Eastern Himalayas culture and cross-border connections.

UNGA Diplomacy: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s US visit was framed as protecting “Bangladesh comes first” interests and showcasing the country’s democratic journey, with PMO adviser Mahdi Amin citing 30 official programmes, bilateral meetings with 11 countries, and six speeches during the 81st UNGA stint. Regional Security: India hosted the 11th BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime in New Delhi (Sept 28-29), with Bhutan among members, to coordinate responses to terrorism, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, money laundering and radicalisation. Bhutan-US Refugee Rights: Bhutanese refugee children born in Beldangi camp won a Supreme Court mandamus ordering Nepal’s authorities to issue the “exit permit” needed for family reunification in the US. Wildlife & Conservation: A tigress was transported to West Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve from Bihar for release on Oct 2, with Bhutan-linked sightings noted by officials. Gelephu Mindfulness City Finance: BTSE Bhutan received a Financial Services License from the Gelephu regulator to run regulated virtual-asset trading and custody, with spot trading planned to start soon. Public Health Milestone: WHO validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, ahead of World Rabies Day. Youth & Innovation: Team Bhutan is preparing for the FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea (Oct 7-10), aiming to compete in wildfire-focused robotics.

Regional Security: India hosted the 11th BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime in New Delhi (Sept 28-29), with delegations including Bhutan discussing traditional and emerging non-traditional threats and making recommendations on human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, anti-money laundering, and counter-radicalisation. Border Management: India is setting up a temporary immigration office at Dadgiri-Hatisar in Assam’s Chirang district for a month ahead of Bhutan’s “Project 108” on Nov 1, with about 5,000 expected visitors and plans to manage the border influx. Bhutan Health Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, noting zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023. Gelephu Finance: BTSE Bhutan received a Financial Services License for regulated virtual-asset trading and institutional custody in the Gelephu Mindfulness City framework, with spot trading to begin soon. Sports & Recognition: Bhutan’s women chess team added two Women Candidate Masters after the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.

Gelephu Mindfulness City Crypto Regulation: BTSE Bhutan says it has received a Financial Services License from the Gelephu Financial Services Office, allowing regulated virtual-asset trading and institutional custody, with spot trading set to begin soon for BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT. Border Management for “Project 108”: India’s Chirang district is setting up a temporary immigration office at Dadgiri-Hatisar for a month ahead of Bhutan’s Nov 1 plans to raise 108 Jangchub Chortens, with an expected surge of visitors. Public Health Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, following a King-directed One Health programme; RSPCA Bhutan also inaugurated a new animal shelter in Thimphu. Primary Healthcare Policy: Bhutan’s National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang is mapping a roadmap toward universal health coverage, focusing on governance, local roles, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine and financing. Regional Security Cooperation: India hosted the 11th BIMSTEC counter-terrorism and transnational crime working group meeting, with Bhutan among member delegations. Sports & Diplomacy Soft Power: Bhutan’s women chess team returns from the 46th Olympiad with two new Women Candidate Masters, while Bhutan-EU parliamentarians discussed climate, energy and development.

Rabies Milestone: Bhutan has been officially certified by the WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with no human deaths since June 2023—an achievement tied to a King-directed “One Health” dog population management and rabies control programme. Animal Welfare & Public Health: In Thimphu, Queen Mother Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck inaugurated an RSPCA Bhutan animal shelter (Nu 11.7m) with treatment, rehabilitation and longer-term care facilities, opened ahead of World Rabies Day. Primary Healthcare Policy: Bhutan’s three-day National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang is focused on reimagining primary care for universal health coverage, including health governance, local government roles, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine and sustainable financing. Digital Finance in Gelephu: BTSE Bhutan received a Financial Services License from the Gelephu Financial Services Office, enabling regulated virtual-asset trading and institutional custody, with spot trading planned first for BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT. Procurement Watch: Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation re-invites sealed quotations for shelters, towers, fencing, and earthling/AC/ventilation installation and testing. Visa Rule Update: The UK published a list of 45 countries whose citizens—including Bhutan—need a visa even for landside transit.

Bhutan Health Policy: Bhutan has been certified by the World Health Organization as having eradicated dog-transmitted rabies, with no human deaths since June 2023, crediting a King-directed “One Health” push and community participation; Bhutan is now in a third phase of the national rabies control programme. Primary Healthcare Reform: Bhutan’s National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 is underway in Tsirang, focusing on a roadmap to universal health coverage, including governance, local government roles, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine and sustainable financing. Public Procurement: Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation re-invites sealed quotations for shelters, towers, fencing, and earthling, AC and ventilation installation work at specified locations. Economic Strategy: Bhutan’s National Entrepreneurship Strategy 2026 aims to back at least two home-grown enterprises to reach over USD 50 million valuation by 2030, with technology flagged as a key growth area but finance access still a major bottleneck. Food Security: Bhutan’s agriculture report warns that climate impacts, human-wildlife conflict, pests and diseases are still causing major crop losses, undermining gains in production. Regional Diplomacy & Borders: A Tawang police visit to India–Bhutan border areas emphasized coordination with border forces and local communities, including vigilance and timely information sharing.

UNGA Climate Diplomacy: Nepal used the “Sagarmatha to the Sea” event at UN headquarters to push an integrated mountain-to-ocean climate agenda, co-hosted with Bhutan and others, after the Bhotekoshi floods. Parliament & EU Ties: Bhutan and the European Parliament held their ninth inter-parliamentary meeting, focusing on climate resilience, renewable energy, education and digital transformation, with emphasis on adaptation finance. Border Coordination: Tawang’s Superintendent of Police visited India–Bhutan border areas to strengthen coordination with SSB and local communities, discussing illegal activity prevention and timely information sharing. Public Procurement: Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation re-invited sealed quotations for shelters, towers, fencing, and earthling/AC-ventilation installation and testing. ICT Policy Gap: A report flags that Bhutan’s ICT/digital sector remains stuck despite policy and regulatory reforms, pointing to execution gaps. Entrepreneurship Push: Bhutan’s National Entrepreneurship Strategy 2026 targets at least two home-grown enterprises reaching USD 50M+ valuation by 2030, with finance still a key bottleneck. Food Security Losses: Bhutan’s agriculture report says thousands of tonnes of crops are still lost to climate impacts, pests, and human-wildlife conflict. Culture & Business (Light Read): Thimphu’s first ramen shop marks its 10th anniversary, showing how local adaptation can make global food trends stick.

Border Coordination: Tawang’s Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang visited India–Bhutan border areas, holding joint talks with SSB and local leaders to address unauthorised cross-border movement, illegal activity, demographic shifts, and information-sharing, with legal awareness also provided. UN Diplomacy & Climate Messaging: Nepal used UNGA 81 to push an integrated “mountains-to-sea” climate agenda after the Bhotekoshi floods, convening co-hosts including Bhutan and calling for coordinated action and early-warning systems across borders. Bhutan–EU Parliamentary Link: Bhutan and a European Parliament delegation met to discuss climate resilience, renewable energy, education and digital transformation, with Bhutan stressing adaptation finance and resilient infrastructure. Bhutan’s Growth Strategy: Government plans to back at least two home-grown enterprises to reach over USD 50M valuation by 2030, with technology flagged as a potential high-growth area but finance access still a major bottleneck. Food Security Pressure: Bhutan’s agriculture report notes thousands of tonnes of crops lost despite rising production, driven by climate impacts, human-wildlife conflict, pests and diseases. GEP Milestone: Bhutan highlighted becoming the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product at national level, announcing a 2024 GEP estimate of USD 6.2B. Sports (Regional): Bhutan’s Kinga Wangmo advanced at the Asian Games after a win over Bahrain’s Maryam Khamis, while Bhutan’s national cricket team arrived in Kathmandu for T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier preparations.

Bhutan–EU Parliamentary Dialogue: Bhutan’s parliament met a European Parliament delegation in Bhutan to discuss climate resilience, renewable energy, education and digital transformation, with Bhutan pushing for adaptation finance and resilient infrastructure. Gelephu Mindfulness City Pitch: Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay used the UN General Debate to urge governments and investors to build the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), framing it as a development pathway. Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP): Bhutan announced it has become the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product at national level, valuing 2024 GEP at about $6.2 billion—about twice GDP. ICT Implementation Gap: A report highlights that Bhutan’s ICT policy ambitions are not translating into on-the-ground progress, pointing to skills, financing and red tape hurdles. Sports & Culture: Bhutan’s national cricket team arrived in Kathmandu to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Malaysia, while the restored Jigme Namgyal Museum (formerly Dungkar Nagtshang) reopened in Lhuentse, preserving an 18th-century heritage site.

UNGA Diplomacy: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman wrapped a five-day UNGA visit and flew to Dubai en route to Dhaka, after meetings with leaders including Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Croatia, Haiti, Bhutan and Thailand, plus UN and World Bank officials on trade, investment, Rohingya and climate. Climate & Regional Cooperation: Bhutan-EU parliamentarians met in Bhutan to discuss climate resilience, renewable energy, education and digital transformation, with Bhutan pushing for adaptation finance and resilient infrastructure. GEP Push: Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, announcing a 2024 GEP of about $6.2bn—roughly twice GDP—signaling a shift in how development is measured. ICT Implementation Gap: A report flags that Bhutan’s ICT policy ambitions still struggle with on-the-ground execution, leaving the domestic tech ecosystem “stagnant.” Disaster-Linked Climate Justice: Nepal used UN platforms to argue for climate justice and coordinated action “from mountains to sea,” with Bhutan named among co-hosts for the “Sagarmatha to the Sea” event. Sports & Representation: Bhutan’s Kinga Wangmo advanced at the Asian Games after beating Bahrain’s Maryam Khamis, while Bhutan’s national cricket team arrived in Kathmandu for T20 qualifier preparations. Heritage & Culture: Dungkar Nagtshang was restored as the Jigme Namgyal Museum in Lhuentse, reopening a revived 18th-century site with new heritage galleries.

Bhutan’s UN push for nature accounting: Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced Bhutan has become the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) at national level, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024—positioned as a complement to GDP, not a replacement. UNGA diplomacy and Gelephu pitch: Tobgay also used the UN General Debate to pitch Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) to governments, investors and businesses, framing it as a development pathway. Climate crisis, cross-border action: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal convened a UN event in New York, “Sagarmatha to the Sea,” with Bhutan and other partners, arguing climate risks link mountains to oceans and require coordinated action after the Bhotekoshi floods. Bhutan–Nepal regional cooperation (sports): Bhutan’s national cricket team arrived in Kathmandu for ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier preparations, with practice matches planned in Pokhara. Bhutan in the wider policy debate: A report on Bhutan’s ICT sector highlights a gap between digital policy ambitions and on-the-ground implementation. Tourism ties: Bhutan and Thailand launched the “Healing and Happiness” campaign in Tokyo to deepen their “Two Kingdoms, One Destination” partnership.

UN Climate Diplomacy: Nepal PM Balendra “Balen” Shah used his UNGA address to argue that countries like Nepal—and also Bhutan—face a “double burden” from climate impacts and wars they didn’t start, calling for climate justice and faster action beyond UN documents. Regional Climate Mechanism: He proposed a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led by Nepal, India and China, focused on satellite data sharing, monitoring glacial lakes, joint early warnings, and cross-border coordination. Bhutan Policy Innovation: Bhutan announced it has become the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024 alongside GDP and Gross National Happiness. Cross-Border Tourism: Bhutan and Thailand launched the “Healing and Happiness” campaign in Tokyo to deepen tourism cooperation under “Two Kingdoms, One Destination.” Payments & Trade Links: UPI is now accepted in 11 countries including Bhutan, as India prepares to introduce merchant MDR charges from Oct 15, raising questions about how the levy may apply overseas. Parliamentary Process Watch: India’s Lok Sabha MPs expressed disappointment over stalled parliamentary friendship groups formed in February, with no meetings held for seven months. Sports Spotlight: Bhutan athletes continued their Asian Games push, while Nepal’s Dorjee Yangkee set for a major taekwondo challenge.

Gross Ecosystem Product: Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) at national level, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024—an effort to put nature alongside GDP and Gross National Happiness in policy accounting. UN diplomacy & regional climate push: Nepal PM Balendra Shah used his UNGA debut to argue climate justice must move beyond UN documents, calling for a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led by Nepal, India and China with shared satellite monitoring and early-warning systems—an approach that directly overlaps Bhutan’s Himalayan risk agenda. Tourism cooperation: Bhutan and Thailand launched the “Healing and Happiness” campaign in Tokyo, reinforcing the “Two Kingdoms, One Destination” partnership. Fintech cross-border impact: India’s new UPI merchant MDR framework from Oct 15 could extend to 11 overseas markets where UPI is available, including Bhutan—raising questions for Bhutanese merchants and payment costs. Digital banking in the region: Bangladesh Bank issued letters of intent for digital banks, including DK Digital Bank backed by Bhutan’s DK Bank, signaling continued fintech expansion across South Asia.

Bhutan’s UN push: Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay used the UN General Assembly to spotlight two big ideas—Gelephu Mindfulness City as a bridge to Indian and wider South/Southeast Asian markets, and Bhutan’s new Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) as a national-level way to value nature. Nature in national accounts: Bhutan announced GEP of about $6.2bn for 2024, aiming to put ecosystem services from forests, rivers and landscapes alongside GDP and GNH. GMC pitch at UNGA: Tobgay said GMC has support from India’s PM Modi and Assam, with plans for clean energy, connectivity and AI/data-centre growth, plus rail links between Kokrajhar and Gelephu. Regional diplomacy: Bhutan also featured in high-level UNGA sidelines, including meetings involving Bangladesh’s PM Tarique Rahman and Bhutan’s PM Tobgay. Cross-border finance signals: Bangladesh Bank issued letters of intent for digital banks, including “Digital Banking of Bhutan” backed by DK Bank—an early step toward branchless banking. Connectivity beyond Bhutan: Nepal’s Pokhara welcomed its first regular international flight, a Flydubai service to Dubai, underscoring wider Himalayan air-connectivity momentum.