AGARTALA : Cross-border trade between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh has taken a severe hit since May 17, following the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s (DGFT) directive halting trade through key landports, including the Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) near Agartala.

The fallout has been immediate. Hundreds of trucks carrying goods bound for Tripura have been forced to return after being denied movement clearance.

Officials at Akhaura ICP confirmed a sharp decline in cargo traffic, with only essential commodities such as fish and limited quantities of cement allowed entry since . . .