Bangladesh has urged India to remove restrictions on its exports through Indian land ports, withdraw anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and PET film, and continue tariff preferences after the country graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
The requests featured prominently at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, which commenced in New Delhi on October 8, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sanstha (BSS).
A 10-member Bangladeshi delegation led by Ayesha Akhter, Additional Secretary in Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce, attended the meeting and sought a review of existing restrictions and tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting Bangladeshi goods entering the Indian market.
India introduced several trade restrictions in 2025 through notifications issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). In May that year, New Delhi restricted imports of certain Bangladeshi goods through designated ports, including limiting ready-made garment imports to the Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports. In June, India further restricted the entry of Bangladeshi jute through land ports along the India-Bangladesh border, allowing such imports only through Nhava Sheva seaport.
The measures followed earlier restrictions imposed by Bangladesh on the movement of Indian yarn and rice, as well as limitations affecting Indian goods destined for the northeastern states. India maintained that its measures were reciprocal and intended to ensure equal market access for both countries.
The restrictions have affected bilateral trade, particularly cargo movement through land ports and border trading points. Bangladesh is now seeking their removal alongside the withdrawal of anti-dumping duties on selected products and continued preferential market access following its graduation from the LDC category.
India Seeks Reciprocal Market Access
While India has yet to take a decision on Bangladesh’s requests, New Delhi has proposed easing restrictions on Indian exports, including cotton yarn and other products, through certain land ports.
India has also sought the revival of border haats (traditional border markets), integrated check posts and land customs stations that were closed during the previous interim administration in Bangladesh, when bilateral relations deteriorated.
New Delhi is looking to improve market access for goods originating in northeastern Indian states, strengthen regional connectivity and expand multimodal transport links between the two countries.
The discussions also covered improving the efficiency of key trade routes, strengthening rail connectivity, developing the Akhaura-Agartala link and resolving operational issues affecting border markets.
Signs of Renewed Trade Cooperation
Recent developments indicate efforts by both countries to restore trade and economic engagement following a period of strained relations.
Last week, a barge carrying 540 metric tonnes of methanol departed from the Bogibeel Terminal in Dibrugarh, Assam, bound for Dhaka, Bangladesh. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the vessel, DLB Patkai, highlighting the potential of inland waterways for cross-border cargo movement.
In August, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, also held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh’s Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir. Discussions covered bilateral economic and commercial cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, and the role of businesses and the private sector in strengthening the economic partnership.
Both sides emphasised the importance of closer engagement between business communities, professionals and people, recognising stronger people-to-people connections as an enduring foundation of bilateral relations.
The outcome of the latest JWG meeting will be significant for exporters, importers, logistics operators and port stakeholders in both countries. Any easing of restrictions, combined with improved land-port operations, rail connectivity and inland waterway links, could help reduce trade bottlenecks, expand regional cargo flows and strengthen multimodal connectivity across the India-Bangladesh trade corridor.