New Delhi (Agencies): The Indian government has banned the import of several goods from neighboring Bangladesh via land, citing economic and diplomatic concerns. The embargo, effective immediately, prohibits the entry of garments, processed foods, plastics, and wooden furniture, according to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of Commerce on Saturday.
Despite the ban, shipments through major seaports—including Nhava Sheva in western India and Kolkata, near Bangladesh—remain unaffected. However, the immediate impact of the restrictions is evident, as at least 36 trucks carrying ready-made garments from Bangladesh were reportedly stranded at the Benapole customs point on Monday.
The decision follows Bangladesh’s recent move to restrict Indian yarn imports via land last month. In response, New Delhi swiftly withdrew a facility that previously allowed Dhaka to utilize Indian land routes and ports for exporting goods to third countries, excluding Nepal and Bhutan.
Beyond trade tensions, diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained following the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Friction increased after Dhaka’s interim government chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, made remarks in Beijing regarding India’s northeastern states, calling them landlocked and asserting Bangladesh’s strategic importance in the region.
Adding to concerns, Yunus has also expressed interest in strengthening trade and logistics ties with China—India’s geopolitical rival. In a recent summit in Bangkok, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for constructive relations with Bangladesh, urging caution against rhetoric that could further destabilize bilateral ties.
Bangladesh exported approximately $1.70 billion worth of goods to India between November 2023 and October 2024. The country’s top export categories include garments (45%), knitwear (30%), textiles (8%), pharmaceuticals (4%), leather goods (3%), and jute products (3%). Additionally, Bangladesh exports footwear, ceramics, seafood, and home textiles to India. The latest restrictions are expected to disrupt this flow, potentially escalating the already fragile trade relationship between the two nations.