India has cancelled its transhipment facility for exporting Bangladeshi goods to third countries through transhipment using its land ports due to some incidents, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said today.
Responding to a question in this regard at the weekly briefing, he said, “We have taken that measure because of the congestion that we see on our ports and our airports. But I would also remind you [journalist], please do have a look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladeshi side prior to us announcing these uh measures.”
He, however, did not clarify what those ‘developments’ are despite repeated questions.
Speaking about the impact of the transshipment facility’s cancellation on regional integration and trade, he said it will not impact Bangladesh’s exports to Nepal and Bhutan “in no manner”.
“We do have that in mind that regional trade needs to be promoted,” he added.
In response to another question regarding India-Bangladesh ties, Jaiswal reiterated that India looks forward to having “a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. We stand for a democratic, for an inclusive, and for a prosperous Bangladesh” which he said was repeated when the Indian prime minister met the chief adviser in Bangladesh on the sidelines of the Bimstec summit.
India terminated the transhipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export cargo to third countries through its land borders on 8 April.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a circular on the day, stating, “It has been decided to rescind… circular…dated June 29, 2020, as amended with immediate effect. Cargo already entered into India may be allowed to exit the Indian territory as per the procedure given in that circular.”
Meanwhile, a legal notice has been served to the government urging the cancellation of all facilities, including transit and transshipment, granted to India.
Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Azizul Haque served the notice today.
