5th Customs Meeting Between India and Bhutan

• 13 May 2024

Souce: PIB

The 5^th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan took place on 6- 7^th May 2024 in Leh, Ladakh.

• Meeting discussed bilateral issues such as opening new Land Customs Stations and notifying new trade routes, development of infrastructure, automation and digitisation of transit processes, prevention of smuggling, coordinated cross-border management, and pre-arrival exchange of Customs data.
• These meetings enhance connectivity and trade infrastructure for smooth customs clearance at 10 Land Customs Stations along the India-Bhutan border (6 in West Bengal and 4 in Assam).
• Bhutan is a top trade partner of India for both imports and exports.
  • It has more than tripled from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1,615 million in 2022-23.
  • This accounts for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade.
• Bhutan thanked the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for supporting its capacity building, training, and skill development through workshops, seminars, and various training programmes.
• Enhancing connectivity with Bhutan is important for India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ Policy.

Read more: India Bhutan Relations