Exports from Gujarat to Bhutan surge by 52% in five years

Gandhinagar:  The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay are currently visiting India. During their visit, the dignitaries visited the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar, Gujarat, along with other members of their high-level delegation. Amidst their visit, it is noteworthy that, exports from Gujarat to Bhutan have surged substantially over the past five years. From USD 14.39 million in 2019-20, exports from Gujarat to Bhutan have climbed to USD 21.98 million in 2023-24, reflecting a 52% growth over this period.

Export from Gujarat to Bhutan (in Million USD)

2019-20 – 14.39
2020-21 – 14.85
2021-22 – 19.70
2022-23 – 19.22
2023-24 – 21.98

Gujarat’s leading export items include plastic products, electrical machinery and equipment, ceramic products, fish, paper and paper products, and medicines. During this period, the growth was not only seen in the overall export volumes but also in terms of diversification in the range of products exported to Bhutan

Prime Minister’s Bonhomie with Bhutan Has Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Upon assuming office as Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan in June, marking an important moment in strengthening India-Bhutan relations. In March this year, the Prime Minister revisited Bhutan to reaffirm the “Neighborhood First Policy.” During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated a children’s hospital and announced a ₹10,000 crore aid package for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Tshering Tobgay, hailed the Indian Prime Minister as a “friend and elder brother” and honored him with Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’.

India’s Trade with Bhutan Grows Threefold

India is Bhutan’s top trade partner both as an import source and as an export destination. The trade value, excluding electricity, surged from US$ 484 million in 2014-15 to an impressive US$ 1,606 million in 2022-23. At present, approximately 30 Indian companies are actively contributing to Bhutan’s development across diverse sectors, including banking, manufacturing, electricity generation, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, ITES, hospitality, and education. DeshGujarat