The Shyama Prasad Mookerjee (SMP) Port in Kolkata, which Nepal uses for third-country trade, will continue to facilitate cargo movement to and from the neighbouring country amidst its ongoing political crisis.
The port’s Deputy Chairman, Samrat Rahi, told reporters that the port authorities have extended all support for smooth cargo movement to Nepal, which conducts most of its cargo movement by rail.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. So far, there has been no request for special support, but we are always accommodative for any assistance or relaxation for the trade if the need arises due to the unrest,” Rahi said.
Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday amid massive anti-government protests, during which demonstrators vandalised the parliament building and attacked the residences of several top politicians, including President Ramchandra Paudel and Oli.
India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 63 per cent of its overall trade. In 2024-25, bilateral trade stood at around USD 8.02 billion between the two countries, of which India’s exports to Nepal were USD 7.3 billion.
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In FY 2023-24, Nepal exported cardamom, iron sheets, edible oil, juices, plywood and jute, with India absorbing nearly 68 per cent of its outbound shipments. Exports from India, meanwhile, including petroleum, iron and steel, automobiles, machinery and cereals, contribute nearly 16 per cent to Nepal’s GDP.
Under the India-Nepal Treaty of Transit, Nepal’s transit trade is primarily routed through Kolkata, Haldia and Visakhapatnam ports.
Rahi said that container freight stations with warehousing facilities near the borders of both countries are expected to ensure continuity in operations, and delay in unloading and discharge of Nepal-bound cargo at the port are unlikely.
The port’s overall annual cargo for Nepal is in single digits in volume terms, but remains important for the country.
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