The 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan

Current Context: The 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan was indeed held on 6th-7th May, 2024 in Leh, Ladakh.

• The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan.
• Bhutan appreciated the Indian Government for initiating and promoting cross-border trade and economic activities with Bhutan through various bilateral agreements.
• These meetings play a vital role in enhancing connectivity and developing trade infrastructure for smooth customs clearance at land borders.
• India is Bhutan’s top trade partner both as an import source and as an export destination. 
• Since 2014, India’s trade with Bhutan has more than tripled from $484 million in 2014-15 to $1,615 million in 2022-23, accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade.
• Enhancing connectivity with Bhutan is pivotal to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and the ‘Act East’ Policy.

Question:

Q.1 When and where was the 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan held?
a. 6th-7th May, 2024 in Leh, Ladakh
b. 6th-7th June, 2024 in Thimphu, Bhutan
c. 6th-7th April, 2024 in New Delhi, India
d. 6th-7th July, 2024 in Paro, Bhutan