India, Bhutan hold border security meet after 6 years

The India-Bhutan border management and security meeting was held in Thimphu last week after a period of six years. The officials discussed various issues like mobile signal spillover, future roadmap for integrated checkposts, maintenance of boundary pillars and cross-border movement.

The discussions on October 16 and 17 also covered the capacity-building programme for the Bhutan’s police, said sources. The last such meeting was held in 2019.

The Indian delegation was led by Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs. It also included officials from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Land Ports Authority of India, Department of Telecommunications, Narcotics Control Bureau, Survey of India, Customs and representatives from Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Bhutanese side was headed by Sonam Wangyel, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. Both delegations expressed satisfaction at the constructive discussions and reiterated their resolve to work together towards ensuring a safe, secure and prosperous border region, a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Reaffirming their strong friendship, India and Bhutan committed to deepening cooperation across traditional and emerging areas.