India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to reports of stricter customs checks by Nepali authorities along the Nepal–India border, which have triggered protests among locals dependent on cross-border markets for daily essentials.
The checks follow a rule that imposes customs duty on goods worth over NPR 100 brought from India, affecting residents who previously brought small quantities of food items, clothing, and household goods for personal use.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government understands that the Nepali government's intention is to curb informal trade and smuggling, but the new regulation has made it difficult for people to bring basic purchases across the border.
Madhesi youths staged a protest on Saturday, opposing the government's decision to impose customs duty on goods worth over NPR 100 brought from India, and several lawmakers from border regions have called for easing the restrictions.
