This would involve speeding up the development of cross-border and connectivity infrastructure, including an integrated check post at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing and constructing rail links between Kokrajhar-Gelephu and BanarhatSamatse. The commerce ministry announced this on Friday.
This decision emerged from the India-Bhutan Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) held in Thimphu, co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and his Bhutan counterpart, Dasho Tashi Wangmo. Barthwal is on a two-day official visit to Bhutan, concluding on September 28.
The discussions also discussed alternate routes for importing areca nut to India through LCS Hatisar and Darranga. The designation of Darranga LCS as the entry point of food import from Bhutan was also discussed in that meeting. The Indian government agreed to notify the LCS at Samrang following the necessary infrastructure upgrade. The notification of LCS Jaigaon for importing scrap from Bhutan was also discussed.
Both sides discussed establishing haats along the India-Bhutan border and facilitating the movement of business persons, importing boulders from Bhutan, and including three additional timber species for import.
The secretaries went on to discuss the need for the deployment of personnel to deliver PQIS services at LCS Darranga and impressed upon the early operationalization of an agreement on recognition of official control exercised by BFDA through FSSAI signed in March 2024.
On another note, efforts were clarified to accelerate agreements between the National Seed Centre of Bhutan and Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd. of India regarding fertilizer supply to Bhutan.
This ranged from strengthening cross-border infrastructure and improving connectivity to facilitating trade between the two countries. Both sides reviewed and positively assessed the progress in bilateral trade, commerce, connectivity, and investment since the signing of the MoU on the general supply of petroleum, oil, and lubricants from India to Bhutan.
Other issues discussed included the BFDA’s recognition of official controls and finalizing the MoU text relating to rail links between the two countries. The two countries expressed satisfaction over the cooperation extended by both sides in maintaining the smooth supply of essential commodities like potatoes, wheat, sugar, non-basmati rice, fertilizers, and coal.
India and Bhutan reiterated their commitment to strengthening trade linkages, enhancing connectivity, and facilitating the cross-border movement of goods, services, and people. Both sides agreed that the next CSLM would be held in India at a mutually convenient date.
