New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) The Immigration Check Post in Darranga, Assam, for entry/exit of third country nationals on the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated today in the presence of Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay.
It may be recalled that during the visit of the King of Bhutan to India in November 2023, the two sides had agreed to designate Darranga (Assam)/Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as Immigration Check Post between Bhutan and India to facilitate the entry and exit of third country nationals by land route, a statement said.
During the inauguration, Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya underlined the long-standing ties of friendship between Bhutan and India and recent initiatives for cross border infrastructure development and enhancing people to people connectivity. He reiterated Government of India’s commitment to expand the partnership further based on the priorities of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
In his address at the event, Prime Minister Tobgay welcomed the operationalisation of the Immigration Check Post at Darranga which will boost tourism and economic development in eastern Bhutan and thanked the Government of India for its efforts in promoting greater connectivity in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of MoS for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, MoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, Leader of Opposition of Bhutan, Dasho Pema Chewang, elected representatives from India and Bhutan and senior officials from both countries.
Earlier, third country nationals were permitted to enter/exit Bhutan only via the Paro International Airport or the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing land border. Opening of this new Immigration Check Post for third country nationals is expected to further boost connectivity, promote tourism and people to people ties, the statement added.
Bhutan is also pursuing enhancements at other entry points, including Gelephu, Samtse, and Jomotsangkha, to further streamline cross-border travel.
UNI RN