India and Bhutan Border

 India and Bhutan Border

India Bhutan border gate at Jaigaon–Phuentsholing with traditional Bhutanese architecture

The relationship between India and Bhutan is considered unique. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan, also known as the “Dragon Kingdom”, is not only a neighboring country but also a faithful friend to India. The India-Bhutan Treaty of Friendship signed in 1949 provided a strong basis for political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. As times changed, this treaty was amended in 2007 to make it suitable for modern conditions. Today, India-Bhutan relations are based on mutual trust, cooperation and friendship.

Length and location of the border

The total length of the India-Bhutan border is approximately 699 kilometers. This border is connected to four states of India — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. In this area, the border is not just a geographical line, but an integral part of the way of life. The people living here are connected to each other in their daily lives through trade, culture and traditions.

Arunachal Pradesh – Dense forests and hilly areas, which are very important geographically. There are also very famous places for people to travel where a large number of people come to travel.

Assam – A region with tea gardens and cultural diversity, where the border is associated with rural life. A large part of the tea production is done in the Himalayas, hence it is known as tea gardens.

West Bengal – Jaigaon area, which is one of the biggest trade and tourism centers between India and Bhutan.

Sikkim – A state with beautiful views of the Himalayas and strategic importance. This place remains a good option for people traveling across.

india and bhutan border

Major Border Checkpoints

There are some important check posts between India and Bhutan, from where people as well as goods move.

Jaigaon–Phuentsholing Checkpoint – This border entry point in West Bengal is the most popular. Most Indian tourists enter Bhutan from here.

Gelephu – A gateway connecting the state of Assam, which is important for trade.

Samdrup Dzonghar – Located in eastern Bhutan, connecting parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Samatse – A comparatively small checkpoint, but important for local trade.

These checkpoints not only help in maintaining security along the border, but also encourage trade and tourism.

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Economic Relations

The economic partnership between India and Bhutan is very strong. India has been a constant partner in Bhutan’s development.

Hydropower Projects – Hydropower projects built by India on Bhutan’s rivers provide energy to India, while Bhutan gets a major source of income.

Trade – India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. Agricultural products, textiles, electronics and handicrafts are traded extensively with India. The two countries have a very large economic trade, so both countries are economically connected and have a close relationship.

Tourism – Thousands of tourists from India visit Bhutan every year, which strengthens Bhutan's economy. And just as people in India visit Bhutan, people from there also visit India.

Cultural ties

The cultural ties between India and Bhutan are centuries old. Both countries are inspired by Buddhist culture.

Buddhist temples, monasteries and festivals in Bhutan attract Indian tourists.

Bhutanese people love Indian films, music and cuisine.

It is common for both countries to participate in festivals, which further strengthens cultural unity.

Security and Strategic Importance

The strategic importance of the India-Bhutan border is very high. The dispute in the Doklam area in the year 2017 drew the attention of the world to this. After this incident, it became clear that India and Bhutan are not only friends but also security partners. India provides military training, defensive assistance and economic assistance to Bhutan. Therefore, the border is very important for the security of the north-eastern regions of India.

Tourism and Travel 

Bhutan tour is very popular for Indian tourists.

Visa Rules – Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Bhutan, but it is mandatory to take a permit.

Entry point – Jaigaon-Phuentsholing is the most used entry point.

Tourist places – Thimphu (capital), “Tiger’s Nest Monastery” in Paro, Punakha Dzongkha and the natural Himalayan scenery of Bhutan are special attractions for tourists.

Places to visit along the border

The areas along the India-Bhutan border are themselves full of natural beauty. There are many attractive places for tourists here:

Jaigaon (West Bengal) – A major border town, from where Bhutanese tourists enter. A unique blend of Indian and Bhutanese culture is seen here.

Phuentsholing (Bhutan) – A border town in Bhutan, where beautiful temples, gardens and local markets attract tourists.

Sikkim and Darjeeling – These hill stations located around the border are world famous for their tea gardens and natural scenery.

Arunachal Pradesh – The areas near the Bhutan border are home to the amazing beauty of nature, waterfalls and forests.

Punakha Bhutan – This city, located a little inside the border, was once the ancient capital of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong here is world famous.

The border between India and Bhutan is not just a geographical line, but a chain of friendship connecting the hearts of the two countries. This border plays an important role in all four areas — trade, tourism, culture and security. This region, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, holds a unique place in the world due to its natural beauty, peaceful life and mutual friendship.

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