The Indian government has ensured that Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Muhammad Yunus faces the music for making an obnoxious remark in China where he said,” “Northeast India is landlocked & Dhaka is the only guardian of the ocean for all this region.” Such a remark did not go down very well with the PM Narendra Modi-led government, as Bharat hit back by ending the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo, a move that will hit hard the economy of Bangladesh.
While speaking to the media about the Indian Government’s decision about the withdrawal for transshipment facility for Bangladesh, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “…The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn w.e.f. April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory.”
#WATCH | Delhi | On the withdrawal of the Transshipment facility for Bangladesh, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "…The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays… pic.twitter.com/ZoLBJrskZ8
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2025
The Indian government ‘s decision will leave Bangladesh in tatters as it will not have access to the ports and airports of Bharat for trade with Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the Indian government’s move. Taking to X, Sarma said, India’s decision to revoke the transshipment facility for Bangladesh underscores Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests and the security of the Northeast region. This decisive action reflects the government’s firm stance on protecting India’s strategic and economic priorities.”
The move comes amid escalating global tariff tensions, particularly following the United States’ imposition of sweeping tariffs on several nations, including Bangladesh.
Trade experts suggest the decision could benefit Indian exporters across sectors such as apparel, footwear, and gems and jewellery. “Now we will have more air capacity for our cargo. In the past, exporters have complained about limited space due to the transhipment facility given to Bangladesh,” said Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). The move is seen as a strategic step to prioritise domestic export interests.
