Bangladesh should not assume Northeast as a captive market for its exports: Experts

India’s land port restrictions intention to “restore equality in relationship” with Bangladesh: Sources

NEW DELHI: India’s current import restrictions on Bangladeshi items have sparked a broader dialog about the way forward for bilateral commerce, with officers and specialists stressing that Bangladesh should not assume India’s Northeast as a captive market for its exports.On May 17, the federal government imposed curbs on imports price $770 million from Bangladesh, impacting almost 42% of the overall import quantity. The restrictions, affecting clothes, processed meals, and plastics, barred many items from land ports and restricted them to only two seaports: Kolkata and Nhava Sheva.For Bangladesh, that is a main blow. Apparel exports alone, valued at $618 million, now face longer routes, increased delivery prices, and delayed supply instances. Petrapole land port accounted for over 75% of attire imports in 2024–25, based on official knowledge, PTI reported.“This move will help Indian MSMEs in the textile sector regain competitiveness,” stated Ajay Srivastava, founding father of Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). He identified that Bangladeshi corporations loved unfair pricing benefits due to duty-free Chinese materials and export subsidies, giving them a 10–15% edge.Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Vice Chairman A Sakthivel agreed: “It was a long-standing demand from domestic exporters. This is the right step.”India’s measures come amid rising unease over Bangladesh’s personal commerce practices. Dhaka just lately restricted Indian imports like yarn and rice and launched a transit charge on Indian cargo, which New Delhi sees as a violation of earlier understandings.“India will pursue reciprocal trade, not one-sided terms,” a senior supply stated. “Bangladesh must realise it cannot cherry-pick trade benefits without giving back.”Still, specialists warning towards a breakdown in ties. “As the larger neighbour, India must lead with maturity,” Srivastava stated. “Trade shouldn’t be weaponised. There’s still room to rebuild trust through dialogue and economic cooperation.”AEPC Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur famous the shift to sea ports may pressure small Bangladeshi exporters. “Sea shipping is costlier and slower. This could hurt their ability to meet demand from Indian retailers.”