India, Bhutan review border security; discuss mobile signal spillover, cross-border movement

NEW DELHI: Cross-border movement, future roadmap for integrated check posts and border management issues including mobile signal spillover were among the key issues discussed at the 14th India-Bhutan meeting border management and security held on October 16-17 in Thimphu.

While the Indian side was led by secretary, border management, in the home ministry Rajendra Kumar, leading the Bhutanese side was Sonam Wangyel, secretary in their ministry of home affairs. Also included in the Indian delegation were officials of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), department of telecommunications, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Survey of India, customs and representatives from Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.


"Both sides reviewed bilateral security cooperation and border management issues, including mobile signal spill over, future roadmap for integrated check posts, maintenance of boundary pillars and cross-border movement. Discussions also covered capacity building for Bhutan’s police. Both delegations expressed satisfaction at the cordial and constructive discussions and reiterated their resolve to work together towards ensuring a safe, secure and prosperous border region," the home ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Reaffirming their strong friendship, India and Bhutan committed to deepening cooperation across traditional and emerging areas. "Their enduring partnership, rooted in shared geography, culture, and people-to-people ties, continues to serve as a model for regional cooperation," said a home ministry spokesperson.

The last such meeting to discuss border-related issues between India and Bhutan was held in 2019.

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