Which of the following statements about the 6th India-Bhutan Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting (April 2025) is/are correct?
1) Bhutan’s top trade partner is India, with trade primarily via maritime ports in West Bengal and Assam.
2) The meeting discussed automation, cross-border data exchange, and electronic cargo tracking.
3) India proposed capacity-building in Risk Management Systems and AEO certification for Bhutan.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer:
2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Although India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, Bhutan’s trade with India mainly takes place through land customs stations and designated trade routes. The reference to trade primarily occurring through maritime ports in West Bengal and Assam is not accurate, especially since Assam does not have maritime ports.
Statement 2 is correct. The 6th India-Bhutan Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting discussed issues related to customs automation, cross-border data exchange, and electronic cargo tracking to improve trade facilitation and border management.
Statement 3 is also correct. India proposed capacity-building support for Bhutan in areas such as Risk Management Systems (RMS) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification to strengthen customs administration and trade efficiency.
Key Points:
• The 6th India-Bhutan JGC Meeting was held in April 2025.
• Discussions focused on customs modernization and trade facilitation.
• Cross-border data exchange and electronic cargo tracking were key agenda items.
• India offered support in Risk Management Systems and AEO certification.
Additional Facts:
• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner.
• The Joint Group of Customs mechanism helps strengthen bilateral trade and customs cooperation.
• AEO certification promotes secure and efficient international trade by recognizing trusted traders.
Important Questions:
Q1: Which country is Bhutan’s largest trading partner?
Ans: India.
Q2: What was one of the major topics discussed during the 6th India-Bhutan JGC Meeting?
Ans: Customs automation, cross-border data exchange, and electronic cargo tracking.
Q3: What capacity-building support did India propose for Bhutan?
Ans: Support in Risk Management Systems (RMS) and AEO certification.