With a view to increasing trade connectivity, India and Bhutan will have seven additional entry and exit points for trade.

Key Takeaways
• The decision to have seven more entry and exit points was taken in a commerce secretary-level meeting that was held on trade and transit issues between both the countries.
• While Indian side was led by BVR Subrahmanyam, Secretary of Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Bhutanese side was led by Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary of Ministry of Economic Affairs, in Government of

Trade between India and Bhutan
The trade between India and Bhutan has more than doubled since 2014. It has reached one thousand 83 million dollar in 2020-21 from 484 million dollar in 2014-15.

Agenda of the meeting
• Extensive discussions on the current trade and transit issues took place during the meeting.
• Issues of mutual interests and measures to strengthen the bilateral trade relations were discussed.
• Discussions were held to increase trade connectivity between both the countries.
• Both sides also formalised seven additional entry or exit points, through a Letters of Exchange.

What are seven entry or exit points?
Seven entry or exit points include-

• Nagarkata Land Customs Station without commodity restriction
• Agartala Land Customs Station
• Pandu port at Guwahati Steamerghat. It is subject to cross border control at Dhubri
• Jogighopa port. This port is also subject to cross border control at Dhubri.
• Asian Highway 48 that connects Torsha Tea Garden in India with Ahllay in Bhutan. This highway acts as an additional route corresponding to the Land Customs Station at Kamardwisa, Jaigaon and Birpara.