India-Bhutan Bilateral Trade and Transit Meeting

26 May 2015

The India-Bhutan Bilateral Trade and Transit Meeting was held in Thimphu, Bhutan from 25-27 May 2015 to create a trade value chain between India and Bhutan and remove bottlenecks impeding trade flows. Such trade and transit talks are held regularly between the two countries and strengthen bilateral trade cooperation. The meeting resolved some pending issues from last year’s meeting.

Discussions from January 2014 on entry/exit focused on three possible points, requested by Bhutan and approved by India – Loksan and Nagarkata bordering Samtse, and Kulkuli bordering Lhamoizingkha. Another four potential entry/exit points remain for future discussion. 

Bhutan also requested three additional railway points during the January 2014 meeting as Raxual, India was congested. India will explore the possibility of a railway point in Nautanwa in Utter Pradesh. 

India and Bhutan further agreed on the need to expedite the development of two alternate routes to Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jonghar industrial estates. Direct access to these two industrial estates will reduce transportation costs, congestion, and pollution in towns. 

India subsequently highlighted the scope for greater bilateral cooperation in the services sector, especially in information technology related services and solar energy. A trade and services agreement was tabled.  

Shri Rajeev Kher, Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry led the Indian delegation, while the Bhutanese delegation was headed by Sonam P. Wangdi, Officiating Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan.

 

Related Links:

Press Release: India-Bhutan Bilateral Trade and Transit Meeting
Bhutan and India discuss exit/entry points
Indo-Bhutan trade transcends diplomatic ties

Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President, conveyed to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi ADB's intention to...

Read More


The Governments of India and Nepal held the 10th joint steering committee meeting of Nepal-India Energy Secretary-level on...

Read More


Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, met with Mr. Masud bin Momen, Foreign Secretary...

Read More


The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of the Government of India has amended Circular 29/2020-Customs,...

Read More


A memorandum of understanding on linking India and Sri Lanka’s electricity grids could soon be signed to be...

Read More


Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, met with several officials of the Government of India,...

Read More


India will help Bhutan develop its third international internet gateway. According to the Embassy of India in Bhutan,...

Read More