ULA steps up efforts to strengthen India–Arakan border trade

By Admin 05 Nov 2026

DMG Newsroom

5 November 2026, Paletwa, Chin State

Delegates from the United League of Arakan (ULA) are holding discussions with local authorities and civil society leaders in Mizoram State, India, to improve safe and reliable cross-border trade between Mizoram and Arakan State.

A delegation led by the head of the ULA Border Relations Department met with key stakeholders in Mizoram on October 29 and 30. The meetings included representatives of the Mizoram Commercial Vehicles Owners Association (MCVOA), the Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP) in Siaha District, and the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) in Lawngtlai District.

Discussions focused on streamlining cross-border logistics and improving existing trade routes connecting India with Arakan State.

"The discussions focused on boosting border trade volume and establishing a secure, reliable supply corridor," a border trade source told DMG. "The meeting is expected to significantly improve bilateral relations and ensure smoother cargo transit."

The Mizoram-based organizations that met with the ULA delegation are influential civil society and transport groups involved in activities along the border trade routes in southern Mizoram.

India's The Times of India reported that the Siaha district branch of the MCVOA and the ULA/Arakan Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate informal cross-border trade.

Under the MoU, both sides agreed to coordinate to prevent misunderstandings between cross-border traders, establish mechanisms to resolve disputes, set fair and uniform vehicle and boat freight rates, and keep the trade gates in Rali and Salachwa villages open daily until 8:00 p.m.

"For traders, building strong mutual relations and reaching formal agreements will positively impact cross-border commerce," an Indian border trader told DMG. "I believe this will also foster better long-term relations between the two communities."

The developing India–Arakan trade route relies on mutual understanding between local communities, providing economic benefits and employment opportunities on both sides of the border.

However, the Mizoram–Arakan trade corridor has frequently faced temporary disruptions due to friction between local residents and Arakanese transport operators.

In September, cross-border trade was suspended for eight days following a dispute between local youth in Khaikhy Village and Arakanese boat operators.

Since fighting escalated across Arakan State in November 2023, the military junta has imposed restrictions and blockades on land and water supply routes connecting the region with mainland Myanmar.

As a result, local communities in Arakan State rely heavily on Mizoram State as a major supply route for essential goods, including food, medical supplies and fuel.

Local traders said the latest round of talks is vital to maintaining and stabilizing the India–Arakan trade route as a reliable supply line for the region.