India, Bhutan To Push For Seamless Cross-Border Trade

New Delhi, Apr 22 (KNN) India and Bhutan have decided to further strengthen customs cooperation, promote seamless cross-border trade, and ensure secure and efficient border management under the framework of the Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit.

The bilateral commitment was made during the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan which was held on 20th–21st April 2026 in Munnar, Kerala.

India remains Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of its total trade. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded USD 1.9 billion in FY 2024–25, registering growth of over 46 per cent year-on-year.

The 7th JGC meeting was co-chaired by Yogendra Garg, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, and Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed key areas including Coordinated Border Management (CBM), a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on pre-arrival exchange of customs data, and measures to strengthen anti-smuggling mechanisms through enhanced intelligence sharing and enforcement cooperation.

The two sides also discussed digitisation of customs processes and facilitation of transit cargo movement under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).

Issues related to improving border infrastructure, enhancing trade facilitation, and streamlining customs procedures were also taken up as part of efforts to enable smoother cross-border trade.

As part of the visit, the Bhutanese delegation toured Kochi Port, where they were briefed on import-export procedures, container handling operations, and maritime enforcement practices, including vessel monitoring and cargo inspection systems.

(KNN Bureau)