Guwahati: Providing a boost to mutual relations between India and Bhutan, Assam governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the Darranga Immigration Check Post (ICP) in the presence of Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay at a function held at Darranga in Assam's Tamulpur district on Thursday. This is the inaugural ICP between India and Bhutan along Assam.
At the ICP at the Land Port in Darranga, Tobgay became the first foreign national to receive his passport stamp. Situated merely 700 metres away from the Samdrup Jongkhar border gate along the Indo-Bhutan border, the ICP endeavours to enhance regional connectivity, foster trade, economic growth and interpersonal connections between the two nations.
For Bhutan's tourism ministry, it marks a significant milestone in tourism history as the immigration office at Darranga functions round-the-clock under the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI). "My passport was stamped in Darranga, and I understand it is the first foreign passport to be stamped there. I am overjoyed at this momentous occasion because stamping my passport represents so much more. It means many more Bhutanese can enter India using their passports, and Indians can also enter Bhutan with or without passports. Many other foreigners can also visit Bhutan through Assam and enter Assam through Bhutan. This is a milestone," PM said.
As residents of two neighbouring countries, he noted that Indians and Bhutanese do not require passports for border crossing. However, for foreigners, it will serve as a crucial route. He recounted his personal experience from 1986 while accompanying tourists from England from Bhutan to Darranga and the difficulties faced by the British entering India.
He emphasised that both nations must strengthen their friendship through interpersonal connections. "This landmark shall play a vital role in fostering people-to-people contact through tourism exchange alongside trade and business exchanges," the PM said.
"Friends become strong if they suffer together. On the other hand, friendship becomes strong when we prosper together. We must prosper together and thus we need to make full use of this facility," he added, emphasising exporting boulders to Bangladesh through Assam, but needing to export much more.
"We are already importing goods and services from India. This facility will enhance such import directly through eastern Bhutan. Similarly, we are exporting a few manufactured goods from eastern Bhutan to India and this facility will further enhance such export from Bhutan," Bhutan PM said.
He urged Bhutanese investors to commence meaningful investments in eastern Bhutan. He also encouraged Indian investors to invest in Bhutan independently or collaborate with Bhutanese investors utilising this Darranga facility.
Considering Assam and Bhutan's geographical proximity, Governor Acharya said the state is positioned for an enhanced role and can serve as a springboard for strengthened Indo-Bhutan bilateral relations.
The governor emphasised the significance of cross-border connectivity initiatives, including proposed rail links and expressed gratitude to both govts, officials and citizens for actively elevating bilateral relations. "This check post's inauguration marks a significant milestone in our enduring relations, creating new opportunities for regional development and cooperation," Acharya said.
It may be recalled that during the visit of His Majesty the King of Bhutan to India in Nov 2023, the two sides had agreed to designate Darranga (Assam)/Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as Immigration Check Post between Bhutan and India to facilitate the entry and exit of third-country nationals by land route.