India Responds to Tensions Over Nepal's New Border Customs Regulations

Kathmandu. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement regarding the tensions arising from the strict customs inspections and new regulations implemented by Nepali authorities along the Nepal-India border. 

Residents in border areas are outraged following the strict enforcement of a rule requiring customs duties on goods worth more than 100 rupees brought from India. Responding to the issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that it is understood that Nepal has taken this step with the objective of controlling informal trade and smuggling. 

He noted that India is aware of reports regarding customs being imposed on travelers crossing the border with Indian goods, and clarified that they are monitoring the claims of Nepali officials who state that ordinary citizens bringing goods for household use are not being stopped.

This new arrangement has particularly affected daily life in the Terai region. Border residents, who rely on Indian markets for daily essential goods, are strongly protesting the move. Lawmakers from the border regions have also demanded that the government relax these restrictions, citing the difficulties faced by the general public.