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New Delhi, 22 September 2024 – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) held a crucial bilateral meeting yesterday, deepening cooperation on food safety and regulatory alignment between the two nations. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Global Food Regulators Summit at Bharat Mandapam, focused on implementing the “Agreement” signed on 21 March 2024, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan.
The Agreement aims to harmonize regulatory frameworks between India and Bhutan, with an emphasis on simplifying food import procedures, enhancing food safety standards, and fostering technical collaboration. By recognizing Bhutan’s control over food business operators (FBOs) through FSSAI, both countries seek to streamline trade processes and ensure the highest standards of food safety.
Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Today’s meeting marks a pivotal development in our partnership with Bhutan in the area of food safety and trade facilitation. The outcomes of our discussions will enhance food safety standards while simplifying trade processes. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards for consumers.”
The meeting explored the practical steps for implementing the Agreement, with discussions centered on capacity-building initiatives for BFDA officials and further technical cooperation between the two agencies. Ms. Gyem Bidha, Director of BFDA, praised the Agreement for promoting safe food trade between the two nations. “This bilateral meeting provided an opportunity to address the challenges of exporting to India and to discuss technical cooperation and capacity building to effectively implement the Agreement,” she noted.
The event saw participation from key officials, including Ms. Tashi Peldon, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, senior representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighting the strategic importance of this partnership in ensuring food safety for both nations.
This strengthened cooperation underscores a mutual commitment to protecting public health while enhancing trade relations, signaling a new chapter in India-Bhutan ties.
