19 February 2026 —The India–Rakhine trade route, which was closed following the death of an Indian national, has been reopened on the Siaha side of Mizoram, according to a statement from the Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP) based in Siaha District.
The border road in Siaha District was officially reopened on the afternoon of 17 February. Rakhine traders have since resumed trading activities.
According to the Development Media Group, a Rakhine trader in India stated that Lawngtlai District remains closed. As travellers from Aizawl are required to pass through Lawngtlai, movement remains restricted. At present, only the Siaha District is open for trade.
Authorities are reportedly continuing discussions to resolve the situation
On 12 February, an Indian truck driver delivering goods to Shin Let Wa village in Paletwa township, Chin State died near the village.
The majority of Paletwa township of Chin State has been under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) since January 2024.
Following the incident, the Lawngtlai District Court ordered the closure of the India–Rakhine trade route for a period of two months, from 16 February to 16 April 2026.
Although the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) in Lawngtlai and Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP) in Siaha called for the suspension of all trade routes until the case is clarified, border gates in Siaha District were reopened on 17 February.
After the extended closure, some townships in Rakhine State have reported slight increases in commodity prices.
Since fighting intensified in Rakhine State in 2023, Myanmar’s military authorities have restricted trade and transportation routes. As a result, traders have relied mainly on Mizoram for cross-border trade. – Reporting by Ben
