India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their strong bilateral trade relationship during the 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting held in Thimphu, Bhutan. The two-day meeting aimed to deepen cooperation on customs processes, streamline cross-border trade, and ensure efficient and secure border management.

The meeting was co-chaired by Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Royal Government of Bhutan.

India remains Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80% of Bhutan’s total trade. Given Bhutan’s landlocked geography, land Customs Stations play a critical role in trade facilitation, with 10 such stations located along the border—six in West Bengal and four in Assam.

Key areas of discussion included the automation and digitisation of transit processes, implementation of Coordinated Border Management (CBM), pre-arrival exchange of customs data, and the movement of goods under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). Both sides also discussed the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to further enhance collaboration.

The Bhutanese delegation acknowledged India's ongoing support, particularly highlighting the success of the 2024 capacity-building workshop titled ‘Advancing India Bhutan Trade and Economic Partnership’. India proposed additional training in areas such as Risk Management Systems (RMS), Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) schemes, and food safety standards.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both countries reaffirming their shared vision to strengthen customs cooperation and promote seamless and secure trade across their shared border.