Who We Are
The Indo Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCC) is a premier bilateral trade body established to promote and facilitate economic cooperation between India and Bhutan. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, IBCC serves as a bridge connecting businesses, government bodies, and trade professionals from both nations.
With a membership base spanning diverse sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, IT, tourism, and engineering, IBCC represents the collective voice of the Indo-Bhutan business community. Our chamber works tirelessly to address trade barriers, facilitate policy dialogue, and create opportunities for cross-border business growth.
India-Bhutan Relations
- Bilateral Trade: India has consistently been Bhutan’s top trading partner- both as an import source and as an export destination.
- Since 2014, India’s trade with Bhutan has nearly quadrupled from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1744.44 million in 2024-25, accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade.
- Cultural ties: Both countries share a common cultural heritage of Buddhism and have historical links dating back to the 8th century when a Buddhist monk, Padmasambhava, went from India to Bhutan and led the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism.
- Development Partnership: Since Bhutan’s first Five Year Plan in 1961, India has closely partnered with Bhutan in its socio-economic development in line with the priorities of the people of Bhutan.
- 71 Project Tied Assistance projects and 572 High Impact Community Development Projects have been agreed upon between the two sides and are under implementation.
- Connectivity: Railway links like Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse are under active development to strengthen border and trade connectivity.
- Hydro-power cooperation: India has cooperated with Bhutan for the construction of five major hydro-electric projects in Bhutan totaling 2986 MW, including Chukha HEP (1988), Kurichhu HEP (2001), Tala HEP (2007-08), Mangdechhu HEP (2019) and Punatsangchhu-II HEP (2024).
- Space Cooperation: Both countries jointly inaugurated the Ground Earth Station of the South Asia Satellite (SAS) in Thimphu and launched India-Bhutan SAT, the first satellite jointly developed by India and Bhutan.
- Education and Capacity Building: Over 1000 scholarships are being provided annually by GoI for Bhutanese students to study in India. About 50,000 Indians are presently working in Bhutan in sectors such as infrastructure development, hydropower, education, trade and commerce, etc.
- Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program (ITEC program), about 325 seats for training at world-class training institutions covering various fields are offered annually to Bhutan.
Our Mission
To strengthen and expand a transparent and mutually beneficial Indo-Bhutan trade ecosystem through continuous engagement, strong representation, and close coordination with businesses and government authorities, ensuring smoother and more efficient cross-border trade.
Our Vision
To be the leading catalyst for Indo-Bhutan economic partnership, fostering an environment where businesses from both nations thrive through seamless trade, shared prosperity, and sustainable development. We envision a future where the India-Bhutan economic corridor serves as a model for bilateral cooperation in South Asia.
Our History
The Indo Bhutan Chamber of Commerce was established in 2016 against the backdrop of strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bhutan. Recognizing the immense potential for trade growth and economic cooperation, a group of visionary business leaders from both countries came together to create a dedicated platform for trade facilitation.
Over the years, IBCC has grown from a small group of founding members to a robust organization representing hundreds of businesses across multiple sectors. Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the organization of trade fairs, business delegation visits, policy consultations, and the establishment of permanent liaison offices.
In 2019, IBCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, formalizing our commitment to collaborative efforts in promoting bilateral trade. Today, we continue to expand our reach and impact, adapting to the evolving needs of the Indo-Bhutan business landscape.
Key Objectives
Trade Facilitation
Simplify and streamline cross-border trade procedures, reducing bottlenecks and improving efficiency at border checkpoints.
Policy Advocacy
Represent member interests in policy discussions with government bodies, advocating for favorable trade policies and regulations.
Business Networking
Create platforms for businesses to connect, collaborate, and explore partnership opportunities through events and delegations.
Market Intelligence
Provide members with timely updates on market trends, policy changes, and business opportunities in both countries.
Leadership Team
IBCC is guided by a dedicated team of experienced professionals and business leaders who bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening Indo-Bhutan trade relations.