India, Bangladesh, Nepal officials to meet in June over connectivity plan

Bhutan had backed out from the BBIN connectivity plan this year after the proposal failed to sail through in its parliament.

Officials of India, Nepal and Bangladesh will meet in June to finalise a truncated sub-regional connectivity plan after Bhutan retreated.

Officials of India, Nepal and Bangladesh will meet to finalise a truncated connectivity plan. (HT File/ Representational Photo)

Bhutan backed off from the BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal) connectivity plan this year after the proposal failed to sail through in its parliament.

Unlike in India, parliamentary ratification is necessary for Bhutan to enter international agreements. Indian government sources said the plan now is to roll out connectivity agreements among India, Bangladesh and Nepal. The meeting in June will plan for this at an early date.

“The door will be open for Bhutan as and when they are ready for it,” said an official. But Bhutan backing off from the initial plan calls for changing of routes and other procedures.