India has imposed fresh trade restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, banning the entry of certain jute products and woven fabrics through land routes amid deteriorating bilateral relations.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced the move in a notification issued on Friday.
According to the DGFT, imports of specific jute-related goods from Bangladesh will now be permitted only via the Nhava Sheva seaport in Maharashtra. Land route imports through the India-Bangladesh border are prohibited with immediate effect.
“Import from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port on the India-Bangladesh border. However, it is allowed only through Nhava Sheva seaport,” the DGFT stated. “Imports of certain goods from Bangladesh to India are regulated with immediate effect.”
The restricted items include jute products, flax tow and waste, bast fibres, various forms of jute yarn, and woven fabrics of flax and jute, both unbleached and processed. However, the order clarified that these restrictions do not apply to goods transiting from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan. It also bars re-exports to India via these two countries.
This latest move follows similar trade curbs announced by India earlier in April and May. On May 17, India restricted port entry for Bangladeshi imports such as readymade garments and processed foods. In April, India withdrew the transshipment facility it had granted Bangladesh for exporting to third countries, with the exception of Nepal and Bhutan.
The tightening of trade access comes amid diplomatic unease, sparked by controversial comments from Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, during a visit to China. His remarks drew criticism from across the Indian political spectrum and reportedly strained ties further.
Tensions have been compounded by concerns in New Delhi over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, as well as Dhaka’s warming relations with China and Pakistan.
Bangladesh remains a strong competitor in the textile sector. Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh was valued at $12.9 billion in 2023–24. In that period, India exported $11.46 billion worth of goods to Bangladesh while importing $2 billion.