PM Narendra Modi with his Bhutan counterpart Lotay Tshering. (File image)

In a significant development, India and Bhutan on Thursday decided to boost bilateral trade with the import and export of essential commodities.

Officials from the Union agriculture ministry said that significant achievement has been registered in bilateral trade relations between India and Bhutan.

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“Close coordination between the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), Union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, the Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan and Embassy of India in Bhutan has resulted in notification for opening market access for apple, potato, mandarin, ginger and Arecanut from Bhutan to India and tomato, onion and okra from India to Bhutan,” official said.

In the recent past, the ties between India and Bhutan have further strengthened after New Delhi assured Bhutan to provide all required support to fight Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck over the prevailing situation.

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The leaders spoke about the unique ties of trust and affection that bind India and Bhutan as neighbours and friends.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for the effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Himalayan nation and assured the King of India’s readiness to provide all required support to Bhutan in this context.