India and Bhutan reinforced their strategic trade partnership during the 7th Joint Group of Customs meeting, focusing on border management, trade facilitation, and enhanced bilateral cooperation.

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• India and Bhutan held the 7th Joint Group of Customs meeting in Munnar, strengthening institutional cooperation in customs operations, trade facilitation, and coordinated border management between both countries.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Yogendra Garg and Sonam Jamtsho, highlighting continued administrative collaboration at the highest levels.
• India remains Bhutan’s largest trading partner, contributing nearly 80 percent of its total trade, with bilateral trade surpassing 1.9 billion dollars in the financial year 2024–25.
• Given Bhutan’s landlocked geography, land customs stations play a critical role, with multiple operational points across border states ensuring smooth movement of goods and trade continuity.
• Both sides discussed key priorities including coordinated border management, pre-arrival customs data exchange, and strengthening anti-smuggling measures through intelligence sharing mechanisms.
• The meeting also emphasized digitisation of customs procedures and the use of electronic cargo tracking systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and monitoring of cross-border trade flows.
• The Bhutanese delegation visited Kochi Port to understand port operations, cargo handling systems, and maritime enforcement practices for better operational coordination.
• Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to secure, efficient, and seamless trade, aiming to further strengthen economic ties and regional cooperation through sustained customs collaboration.