As part of measures to improve trade connectivity, India and Bhutan will have seven additional entry and exit points for trade, the government announced on Wednesday. The decision was reached during a meeting between India and Bhutan's commerce secretaries to discuss trade and transit issues.
BVR Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, led the Indian delegation, while Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan, led the Bhutanese delegation. Seven additional entry/exit points for trade between India and Bhutan were formalised through Letters of Exchange.
Nagarkata Land Customs Station, which has no commodity restrictions; Agartala Land Customs Station; Pandu port (Guwahati Steamerghat), which is subject to Dhubri cross-border control; and Jogighopa port, which is subject to Dhubri cross-border control.
Asian Highway 48, which connects Torsha Tea Garden in India and Ahllay in Bhutan, as well as the Land Customs Stations at Jaigaon, Kamardwisa, and Birpara, are among the additional entry/exit points.
The Commerce Ministry stated, "This will facilitate bilateral trade between India and Bhutan to our mutual benefit." From USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1,083 million in 2020-21, trade between India and Bhutan has more than doubled.