The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced new port restrictions on the import of certain goods from Bangladesh, a move aimed at restoring balance and reciprocity in bilateral trade, official sources said on Tuesday.
According to sources, India has imposed land port restrictions on select imports from Bangladesh to the North Eastern region, responding to long-standing limitations placed by Dhaka on Indian exports and transit access. While India had previously allowed Bangladeshi exports without significant restrictions, Bangladesh had constrained market access and transit facilities for Indian goods, particularly to the North East.
“The latest measures are intended to restore equal market access for both countries,” sources said, adding that India’s trade relationship with Bangladesh will now be conducted strictly on reciprocal terms.
As part of the move, imports of readymade garments from Bangladesh have been restricted to only two Indian seaports—Nhava Sheva and Kolkata. Officials described this as a reciprocal response to Bangladesh imposing similar restrictions on Indian exports such as yarn and rice.
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that Bangladesh must recognise that bilateral trade cannot be structured selectively for unilateral benefit. “The North East cannot be treated as a captive market for Bangladeshi exports while being denied equivalent access and transit for Indian goods,” an official said.
The government also underlined the strategic importance of the North East, noting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent position that the region is integral to the BIMSTEC framework. Officials said the creation of an equal market space in the resource-rich North East is expected to boost local manufacturing and entrepreneurship, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The move signals a firmer approach by India in ensuring fair trade practices while continuing to engage Bangladesh within a framework of mutual benefit and regional cooperation.
