Milpitas(CALIFORNIA)- Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has urged the governments of India and Pakistan to reopen the Wagah border for trade, emphasizing the economic and social benefits for both nations.“ The Wagah border has long served as a crucial gateway for trade between India and Pakistan, especially for Punjab on both sides. Reopening this route would significantly reduce costs for essential goods, boost local economies, and strengthen people-to-people connections,” said Chahal.He further said that reopening the Wagah border would allow traders and businesses to exchange goods at a lower cost, benefiting consumers and industries in both nations. Some key trade benefits include:
While giving the detail Chahal said Cheaper Goods for Consumers can be available: From Pakistan to India:
Rock salt, gypsum, cement, textiles, dry fruits, dates, and organic fertilizers are available at lower prices. Also available are High-quality Pakistani basmati rice and fresh fruits like kinnow oranges.
and similarly From India to Pakistan: Affordable pharmaceutical products, tea, spices, machinery, and auto parts.
A reliable supply of cotton, wheat, and sugar to meet Pakistani demand.
There will be Boost for Local Farmers and Manufacturers like Farmers in Punjab (both Indian and Pakistani) would get better prices for crops, reducing dependency on distant markets.
Small businesses, including textile and handicraft industries, would benefit from smoother exports and imports.
Shorter Trade Routes, Lower Costs: This will be more than fortunate that Trade via Wagah is much cheaper and faster than shipping goods via Dubai or other third-party routes.
Businesses currently face high freight costs due to indirect trade through other countries and more than this there will be Broader Impact to Strengthening Regional Peace and People-to-People Ties
Chahal further disclosed that Apart from economic gains, reopening the Wagah border would improve diplomatic relations and cultural exchange: Thousands of divided families in Punjab would benefit from easier travel and trade. Cross-border business collaborations and tourism would flourish. A stable trade relationship could pave the way for improved diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan.
NAPA strongly urges both governments to take immediate steps toward reopening the Wagah border for trade, removing unnecessary barriers, and ensuring smooth bilateral commerce. “A prosperous Punjab on both sides of the border will not only benefit local communities but will also strengthen economic ties between India and Pakistan,” Chahal emphasized.