Border tension to take toll on Indo-Pak trade

Amritsar, Tension at the Indo-Pak border following terror attacks at Dinanagar and Udhampur may take a toll on the bilateral trade between the two nations via the Attari-Wagah land route.
The traders have already started treading cautiously while placing their import/export orders, apprehending further deterioration in the ties. Uncertainty over the NSA-level talks between the two countries has only added to their fears.
Talking to The Tribune, former CII zonal council chief Rajdeep Uppal said: “Though there is no effect on ground on the bilateral trade as of now, the tense atmosphere has prompted the trading community on both sides to be careful. The current political environment is not conducive for trade. We wish that the two countries should sit across the negotiation table and hold a dialogue to resolve their issues.” He said the traders having their base in cities such as Mumbai and Surat were particularly wary of the situation and they were thinking twice before striking a deal across the border.
Rajesh Setia, general secretary, Amritsar Exporters Chambers of Commerce, said the bilateral trade was comparatively down in this part of the year due to multiple factors, including tension between the two countries at the border.
He said rainfall ruining the crop and consequent soaring prices of commodities was another reason for a decline in trade.
Gunbir Singh, former chairman, CII, Punjab, said: “Peace always ushers in better economic ties. Trade and commerce looks towards amiable relationship between the two countries. Strained ties could affect trade with Pakistan and as also with Afghanistan, which is done through Pakistan.”
MPS Chatha, president, All India Cement Importers Association, said though the border tension had not yet made any impact on the bilateral trade, the weakening Indian rupee against the US dollar had certainly taken a toll on it. Officials at the Integrated Check Post in Attari confirmed that the bilateral trade between India and Pakistan continued as usual.