cross border trade

In response to rising concerns over unmonitored trade practices along the Myanmar border, the Lawngtlai district administration is ramping up its efforts at the Hruitezawl and Zochachhuah entry points. Officials conducted an on-site visit to Hruitezawl, where they underscored the critical need for heightened surveillance and a strategic approach to better control cross-border activities.

Nepal's strict enforcement of a customs rule on goods above NPR 100 has crippled informal cross-border trade, impacting small Indian traders and Nepalese consumers. This has led to a decline in business in border markets like Jaynagar. The policy, however, is reportedly benefiting larger traders, with concerns raised about social and cultural ties being strained.

A BJP victory in Bengal could streamline India-Bangladesh ties, boosting cooperation on water, trade, and security. This alignment offers a chance to revive the stalled Teesta water-sharing deal, a crucial confidence-building measure.

A year after the Pahalgam incident, India-Pakistan relations remain strained, with the Punjab international border largely shut. Restrictions have halted trade, suspended customary interactions, and altered the Attari retreat ceremony, despite Pakistan's global mediation role. The Kartarpur Corridor also remains closed, impacting religious travel.

In an unexpected twist, Bihar's strict liquor ban has triggered a peculiar migration pattern. Locals from Bagaha and surrounding regions are now making their way to Uttar Pradesh and even Nepal—not for jobs, but for a shot at indulging in alcohol.

Nepal has officially objected to India resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, a territory it claims based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India dismissed these claims as unjustified and historically unfounded, stating Lipulekh has been a long-standing yatra route. This dispute marks a potential test for bilateral ties as both nations prepare for diplomatic discussions.

India's foreign direct investment is projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025-26, marking a significant increase driven by enhanced investor outreach and upcoming free trade agreements. Gross FDI reached $88.3 billion by February 2026, with net FDI showing a substantial rise compared to the previous fiscal year. Changes to FDI rules for neighboring countries are also nearing notification.

Mekliganj, a Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district, is set for a contest between TMC's Paresh Chandra Adhikary, BJP's Dadhiram Roy, and Congress's Ila Rani Roy in 2026. The TMC won the seat in 2021 by over 14,000 votes, highlighting its status as a key battleground. Local issues revolve around employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and farmer welfare.

Weeks of conflict have intensified Iran's economic pressures, straining its financial system despite ongoing internal resilience and limited external trade. While facing significant business challenges and rising costs, Iran is leveraging domestic resources and alternative trade routes to sustain itself amidst a Gulf standoff and stalled ceasefire talks.

In a proactive move to safeguard its livestock, Lawngtlai district in South Mizoram has imposed a two-month ban on importing cattle from Myanmar due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga announced this precautionary measure, emphasizing the importance of local animal health. Any breaches of this order will result in penalties under new legal regulations.

Goldman Sachs has prohibited its Hong Kong bankers from using Anthropic's Claude AI models, citing contract interpretations amid US-China tech tensions. This move, impacting coding and financial modeling, raises concerns for Hong Kong's financial hub status and other institutions using the AI. The restriction highlights broader worries about AI intellectual property theft and cybersecurity risks.

In a comprehensive review, top authorities, such as the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, convened to address security measures and development initiatives across 286 Vibrant Villages along the India-Nepal border. The discussion emphasized the need for strong action against cross-border crime, particularly in light of recent confiscations of illicit goods.