This is in keeping with India’s special and friendly relations with Bhutan

Responding to requests from Bhutan, India has decided to provide additional trade concessions that will allow the country to source wheat and sugar to meet its requirements.

“As a special gesture, India has authorised the shipment of wheat and sugar, as per Bhutan’s requirements i.e. 5000 MT of wheat and 10,000 MT of sugar, to be imported by the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited and other leading industries in Bhutan,” the Indian Embassy in Bhutan said in a statement on Friday.

The government of India had restricted the export of wheat and sugar earlier this year to strengthen India's food security after sudden changes in the global market affecting the price and availability of these two commodities.

The Indian government responded positively to the Royal Government of Bhutan’s requests for wheat and sugar “in keeping with our special and friendly relations with Bhutan”, the Indian Embassy said.

Previously, India had made various trade concessions for Bhutan, including removing the ban on the import of potato only from that country, allowing the import of fresh wholly produced ginger from Bhutan, supplying Nano Urea/Nano Nitrogen Fertilizer to Bhutan at a special concessional rate, and supplying coal to Bhutan, the Indian Embassy pointed out.

“Despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption in the global supply chains, India has been offering Bhutan its fullest cooperation and support in order to ensure smooth movement of commodities during this period, the Indian Embassy said.

The Indian Embassy’s statement noted, “Our close trade and economic ties are a reflection of the exceptionally close and friendly relations between India and Bhutan that have existed over decades. In view of this special relationship, notwithstanding global supply chain disruptions and shortages of various commodities, India has decided to accommodate Bhutan’s special requests."

The Government and the people of India stand resolutely committed to the long term well-being and prosperity of the Government and the people of Bhutan, the statement added.