India–Bhutan 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting:
The 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held recently in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan country, bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north.
- Indian states bordering Bhutan: Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan.
- Phuntsholing is Bhutan’s key financial and trade hub, located along the India-Bhutan border.
- Bhutan is a parliamentary monarchy.
- It transitioned to democracy in 2008 with the first democratic elections.
- The King of Bhutan remains the Head of State.
- Official name: Kingdom of Bhutan.
- Local name: Druk Gyal Khap, meaning “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.
- The Manas River (376 km), a transboundary river flowing through southern Bhutan into India, forms an important ecological and trade corridor.
- India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s total trade, making border customs cooperation vital for both countries.
- Bhutan, being a landlocked country, relies heavily on Land Customs Stations (LCSs) for trade. There are 10 India-Bhutan LCSs—6 in West Bengal and 4 in Assam.
- The JGC is an annual bilateral mechanism aimed at strengthening Customs cooperation, facilitating cross-border trade, and reforming customs procedures in line with global best practices.
