The core theme of theme of Track I of the 
HE Mr Lyonpo Rinzin Dorje opened the discussion by highlighting the strong, mutually beneficial partnership between India and Bhutan which was initiated by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to the country. The partnership was further strengthened when India provided assistance in building the first national highway which enabled Bhutan open doors to the outside world. Despite India’s prevailing economic conditions they financed the first two five year plans and are currently providing support of Rs 45 billion for the 11th five year plan. He added that Bhutan would look forward to deepen the mutual partnership it has with India.
Amb Shyam Saran carried the discussion forward by elaborating the philosophy and the transformation of India’s Development Partnership Program has undergone over the years . One of the key aspects highlighted by him was the lack of of effective methodology of evaluation that could gauge the impact of the program on the sister developing nations.
This was followed by an overview on the functionality and achievements of the Development Program Administration by Mr. Abhay Thakur- Joint Secretary North Region, MEA.
