Guwahati: The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated at Darranga in Assam’s Tamulpur district on Thursday.
The check post was inaugurated in the presence of the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay. This ICP, located on the India-Bhutan border, will facilitate the entry and exit of third-country nationals.
This development is a significant step forward, following the agreement reached between India and Bhutan during the King of Bhutan‘s visit in November 2023.
Both nations had agreed to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as ICPs to streamline travel for international visitors.
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During the inauguration ceremony, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan and highlighted recent initiatives to enhance cross-border infrastructure and people-to-people connectivity.
He reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the bilateral partnership, aligned with the priorities of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Prime Minister Tobgay expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its efforts in promoting greater connectivity in the region.
He welcomed the operationalization of the Darranga ICP, anticipating it to boost tourism and economic development in eastern Bhutan.
The inauguration was attended by Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs and External Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Pabitra Margherita, respectively, Bhutan’s Leader of Opposition, Dasho Pema Chewang, and other dignitaries from both countries.
Previously, third-country nationals were restricted to entering or exiting Bhutan through Paro International Airport or the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing land border. The opening of this new ICP is expected to further enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
