Latest news in Bhutan? September 13th, 2026
13-09-2026
Major recent news and key developments in Bhutan as of September 13, 2026:
- Hydropower Expansion: Two new hydropower projects officially reached commercial operations, bolstering the Kingdom’s renewable energy capacity and grid exports. The Bhutan Live
- Historic WHO Health Milestone: The World Health Organization officially validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health issue. Bhutan becomes only the second country globally (after Mexico) and the first in South-East Asia to attain this validation, driven by its Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management program and mass vaccination campaigns. World Health Organization (WHO)+ 1
- New Diplomatic Ties with Timor-Leste: Bhutan finalized diplomatic formalities to establish formal bilateral ties with Timor-Leste following an official meeting between Bhutan’s Health Minister Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk and President José Ramos-Horta, who was also extended an invitation for a state visit. President José Ramos-Horta
- Healthcare Modernization in Eastern Districts: Over $3 million worth of medical equipment backed by Japan was distributed across six eastern dzongkhags to strengthen regional primary and secondary care facilities.
- Global Conscious Food Systems Summit: Bhutan recently concluded the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, co-hosted with the UNDP, hosting international delegations (including Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya) to address regenerative agriculture and food security. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade