New Delhi: India and Bhutan held high-level discussions on Friday to accelerate the development of key cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at boosting bilateral trade. The talks were co-chaired by India’s Commerce Secretary, Sunil Barthwal, and Bhutan’s Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE), Dasho Tashi Wangmo, in Thimpu.
One of the main focuses of the meeting was expediting the establishment of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing and advancing the development of rail links between Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samatse. These projects are expected to enhance trade and connectivity between the two nations, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of Commerce.
The discussions also covered several other issues, including the notification of the Land Customs Station (LCS) at Jaigaon for the import of scrap from Bhutan to India, the creation of border haats along the India-Bhutan border, and measures to facilitate the movement of businesspersons. Additionally, both sides considered expanding the import of boulders from Bhutan to India.
The meeting also included talks on the inclusion of three new timber species for import from Bhutan to India, as well as the swift implementation of an agreement between Bhutan's Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for mutual recognition, which was signed in March 2024.
Both countries also discussed finalising an agreement between Bhutan's National Seed Centre and India's Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited for the supply of fertilisers to Bhutan.
These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the trade and economic relationship between India and Bhutan, with both sides expressing their commitment to swiftly implement these projects for mutual benefit.
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