India, Bhutan to have 7 more Trade entry and exit points

India and Bhutan are set to have seven additional entry and exit points for trade in order to increase trade connectivity.

Key Points

• This decision was taken in a commerce secretary-level meeting, that was held between the issue of trade and transit between both the countries.
• Indian side was led by BVR Subrahmanyam, Secretary of Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry while the Bhutanese side was led by Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary of Ministry of Economic Affairs, in Government of

Agenda of the meeting

• During the meeting, extensive discussions on the current trade and transit issues were discussed.
• They also discussed issues of mutual interests and measures to strengthen the bilateral trade relations.
• Discussions were held to increase trade connectivity between both the countries.
• Both sides also formalised seven additional entry or exit points, through a Letters of Exchange.

What are seven entry or exit points?

Seven entry or exit points include-

1. Nagarkata Land Customs Station without commodity restriction
2. Agartala Land Customs Station
3. Pandu port at Guwahati Steamerghat. It is subject to cross border control at Dhubri
4. Jogighopa port. This port is also subject to cross border control at Dhubri.
5. Asian Highway 48 that connects Torsha Tea Garden in India with Ahllay in Bhutan. This highway acts as an additional route corresponding to the Land Customs Station at Kamardwisa, Jaigaon and Birpara.

Trade between India and Bhutan

Trade between both the countries has more than doubled in 2020-2021, as compared to USD 484 million in 2014-15. In 2020-21, the trade stood at USD 1,083 million.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021