India withdrew transhipment facility for Bangladesh due to Dhaka’s actions: MEA

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday defined the rationale behind its determination to withdraw the transhipment facility for Bangladeshi exports and mentioned that it was a response to Dhaka’s actions affecting bilateral commerce.
The determination appears to got here after Bangladesh’s interim authorities stopped Indian yarn imports and closed three land ports.
“We stand for a democratic, for an inclusive, and for a prosperous Bangladesh. As far as trade issues are concerned, last week we had made an announcement regarding trans-shipment facility,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned throughout weekly media briefing when requested about India-Bangladesh commerce relations.
“We had taken that measure because of the congestion that we see on our Ports and our Airports. But I would also remind you, please do have a look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladeshi side prior to us announcing these measures,” he added.
India has disallowed transshipment of cargo from Bangladesh to third international locations, dealing a blow to Dhaka exporting attire by means of air freighters, largely from Delhi.
Global manufacturers reminiscent of Zara, which use the route to meet their worldwide want, may have to rework their sourcing technique. The customs round, issued Tuesday, mentioned cargo that had already entered India can be allowed to be shipped out. Confirming the event that comes amid the strife in India-Bangladesh ties, MEA mentioned the transshipment used to trigger congestion at Indian airports and ports, however added the order will not hit Dhaka’s exports to Nepal and Bhutan passing by means of India.
The transhipment association, established in 2020 to improve commerce relations, has been affected by current developments.
Jaiswal talked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to Muhammad Yunus throughout their preliminary assembly in Thailand at a BIMSTEC Summit, expressing India’s want for “positive and constructive” relations with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh suspended Indian yarn imports by means of land ports in March. Additionally, a committee underneath Bangladesh’s interim authorities urged closing Chilahati, Daulatganj and Tegamukh land ports alongside the Indian border, whereas recommending suspension of Balla land port operations.
India-Bangladesh relations deteriorated considerably after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Dhaka in August final 12 months amid large-scale anti-government protests.
Relations worsened additional when the interim authorities led by Yunus proved unable to forestall assaults towards minorities, notably Hindus, in Bangladesh.