In what could be a “tactical manoeuvring” to continue its trade embargo against Nepal, India has shown indications of continuing with its “unofficial blockade” at the Birgunj-Raxaul border point.

Though the restriction of essential supplies seems to have been eased at various border points in the recent days, the Birgunj-Raxaul border-crossing—the busiest in Nepal—has remained shut for the past three weeks.

“India has eased the blockade to some extent after international and some Indian media questioned about its ‘cautious intervention’ on Nepal. Despite claims from PM KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa, nobody has taken up the blockade at Birgunj customs yet,” said a foreign policy analyst.

“The supplies have been eased at other border points to show India’s welcome to the Oli-led government,” said a diplomatic source, adding that India has continued blockade at the Birgunj-Raxaul border point for no apparent reason.

The Indian side halted supplies of essential goods through the Biratnagar-Jogbani border point, citing protests by various Madhes-based parties in Nepal’s southern plains and Bihar assembly elections.

But the transportation resumed through it on Tuesday during elections in Bihar.

More than 2,000 cargo trucks, including those carrying goods imported from third country, have been stuck on the Indian side of the border for past three weeks due to the blockade.  

“A cargo truck should cross the border within 15 days to avoid incurring hefty demurrage charges.

The importers are charged Rs 25 million demurrage each day,” said a customs official in Birgunj.