Mr. Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, and Ms. Dasho Tashi Wangmo, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment of the Government of Bhutan, co-chaired the India-Bhutan Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 27 September 2024. The meeting focused on expediting cross-border trade and connectivity infrastructure, including the establishment of an Integrated Check Post in Jaigaon (India)-Phuentsholing (Bhutan) and rail-links between Kokrajhar (India)-Gelephu (Bhutan) and Banarhat (India)-Samtse (Bhutan). They discussed a wide range of topics, including notifying the land customs stations in Hatisar (India) and Darranga (India) as additional routes for import of areca nut to India and food items to facilitating the movement of businesspersons and considering the import of boulders from Bhutan to India. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral trade, commerce, connectivity, and investment partnerships. They noted recent achievements, including an agreement for recognition of official control exercised by Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).  

The meeting reaffirmed Bhutan and India's commitment to strengthening their trade linkages, boosting connectivity, and facilitating cross-border movement of goods, services, and people. The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the next CSLM in India at a mutually convenient date, reinforcing the tradition of regular exchanges between Bhutan and India to further strengthen their close ties of friendship and cooperation. 
 

Related links 

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal co-chairs India-Bhutan Commerce Secretary Level meeting in Thimphu 

India, Bhutan to expedite development of cross-border infra projects