After Turkey, Azerbaijan, Modi govt’s plans is to hit anti-India Bangladesh
After Turkey, Azerbaijan, plans are afoot by the Modi govt to hit anti-India Bangladesh hard.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry imposed immediate land port restrictions on the import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh, following a directive issued by the DGFT.
Bangladesh, once part of East Pakistan, eventually breathed a sigh of relief when it emerges as an independent nation. With India’s support, Bangladesh emerged in response to years of discrimination by the then-Pakistani regime.
In the years that followed, Bangladesh steadily moved forward on the path of development, with its economy even growing faster than Pakistan’s at times. However, the current political shifts, including the fall of the Hasina government and some controversial decisions by the new Mohammad Yunus-led administration, have raised questions and concerns that Bangladesh may be drifting closer to Pakistan’s influence once again.
Following India’s action against Turkey and Azerbaijan, who had supported Pakistan amidst times of tension, Bangladesh too found itself at the receiving end of India’s firm stance. After this, the government led by Mohammad Yunus in Bangladesh shows signs of aligning more closely with Pakistan.
As per news agency reports, India had banned the import of Ready Made Garments (RMG), Fruit/Fruit flavoured and carbonated drinks, baked goods, snacks, chips and confectionary, cotton and cotton yarn waste, plastic and PVC finished goods and wooden furniture from Bangladesh by road.
Earlier, Bangladesh had banned the import of yarn from India by land route and India had also cancelled the trans-shipment facility for the export of goods from Bangladesh to third countries. Thus, reciprocal trade restrictions are being imposed amid the two neighbouring countries.
Following a directive issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, on Saturday, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry imposed immediate land port restrictions on the import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh.
As per the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India’s restrictions on imports from Bangladesh via land ports will impact goods worth USD 770 million, accounting for nearly 42 per cent of total bilateral imports. The move limits the entry of products such as ready-made garments and processed foods to specific seaports, an official press release by the Ministry stated and is widely viewed as a response to Bangladesh’s recent curbs on Indian yarn, rice, and other goods, along with its decision to impose a transit fee on Indian cargo, marking a shift from previously cooperative trade relations. Under the new directive, all kinds of ready-made garments from Bangladesh can now only be imported through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports, with entry through land ports no longer permitted.
The above restrictions at Para 1 shall also not apply to import of Fish, LPG, Edible Oil, and crushed stone to India from Bangladesh,” reads the statement published on the official website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
As per statement published on the official website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade above restrictions at Para 1 shall also not be applicable to Bangladesh exports to Nepal/ Bhutan transiting through India.
Following India’s strong stand, Bangladesh seems to have realized its position. The current government, led by Mohammad Yunus, is now showing signs of emerging closer to Pakistan. One example is that they are making it easier for Pakistani businessmen to get visas.
News agency reports Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, said this step will help boost economic growth between the two countries and the whole region.
Khan attributed that they value stability and economic growth in the region, which has led them to ease the visa rules for Pakistan, especially for businessmen. He also mentioned that both countries have begun issuing visas to trade delegations.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan spoke at a reception hosted by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GTCCI).
News Edit KV Raman
