India limits Bangladesh’s garment exports as political strains disrupt bilateral trade ties.
In a move reflecting rising political friction, India has imposed restrictions on the import of readymade garments and other selected products from Bangladesh. The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, primarily targets access to India’s northeast market—a key region for cross-border trade. This step is widely interpreted as a direct response to Bangladesh interim leader Mohammed Yunus’ recent outreach to China, where he proposed transit through Bangladesh into India’s northeast, describing the region as landlocked.
Yunus’ growing ties with China and Pakistan, alongside his government’s ban on the Awami League and failure to stabilise domestic unrest, have drawn concern in New Delhi. The trade curb underscores India’s discomfort with Bangladesh’s shifting political alignments, especially after the fall of the pro-India Sheikh Hasina government.
Observers warn that such economic restrictions may inflame anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, with potential fallout in the northeast. Analysts urge New Delhi to push for early elections in Bangladesh through diplomatic engagement, instead of escalating tensions via trade measures.
Source: The Hindu
