Bangladesh’s new export strategy, rerouting goods via the Maldives, raises questions on India trade impacts.
India-Bangladesh trade relations are under scrutiny following reports that Bangladesh has altered its textile export routes, opting to ship goods through the Maldives instead of Indian ports. Industry sources suggest this shift may impact India’s revenue from previously handling Bangladeshi exports. Garments from Bangladesh are now being shipped to the Maldives by sea and then flown to global retailers like H&M and Zara. This logistical move is seen as a means for Bangladesh to gain greater control over its supply chain.
Deepak Tiwari, Managing Director of MSC Agency (India), noted revenue losses for Indian ports, while MSC representatives from Bangladesh countered these claims as “false,” emphasising that shipments are not currently routed through the Maldives. Ziaur Rahman, H&M’s Bangladesh regional manager, clarified that air shipments are rare, limited to promotional needs.
As both nations monitor the situation, the broader impact on trade dynamics remains uncertain, with officials urging careful assessment.
