In the latest development of heightening trade relations between Bhutan and India, the government of India has agreed to open new trade routes for Bhutan’s bilateral and transit trade at Nagrakata, Agartala, Jogighopa and Pandu. Nagrakata in West Bengal will now be a permanent Land Customs Station without any commodities restrictions. It will allow Bhutan to export boulders and river bed materials to India and other third countries, throughout the year. Prior to this, Nagrakata was notified as a seasonal land Customs Station restricted for the trade of certain commodities.
Similarly, Agartala in Tripura India will facilitate Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh through India. And the two new riverine ports at Jogighopa and Pandu, both located in Assam along the Brahmaputra river are included as additional trade routes. As of date, Dhubri in Assam is the only riverine port designated for Bhutan’s trade with India.
All these developments are aimed at benefiting Bhutanese traders by increasing logistical efficiency in terms of time and costs. The developments are in the wake of commitments made during the visit of Indian Railway and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year.
The press release states, going forward, India will continue to extend all possible support to Bhutan to minimize the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sonam Pem
