AGARTALA, May 20: In a significant shift in trade policy, India has imposed stringent restrictions on imports from Bangladesh through land ports—a move that has triggered immediate disruptions and concerns across the northeastern border trade landscape. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced a ban on several categories of goods entering India via land routes. These include ready-made garments, processed foods, fruits, fruit juices, cotton, plastic and PVC products, and wooden furniture. The revised policy stipulates that such goods can now only be imported through the seaports of Nhava Sheva and Kolkata.
The sudden enforcement of this directive has left 36 trucks, carrying garments worth approximately ₹5 crore, stranded in the “no man’s land” between Benapole (Bangladesh) and Petrapole (India), unable to proceed into Indian territory.
In light of the new policy, a high-level meeting was convened on May 19 at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Agartala. Chaired by Shailesh Kumar Yadav, Director of Industries & Commerce, Tripura, the meeting was attended by officials from Customs, the Border Security Force (BSF), the Land Port Authority of India, Immigration, and representatives from importers and exporters associations. Discussions focused on assessing the immediate and long-term implications of the trade restrictions and finding ways to ensure smooth enforcement.
While the abrupt halt in cross-border trade has stirred anxiety among stakeholders, some local trade organizations have expressed tentative support. The All Tripura Merchant Association endorsed the import restrictions, claiming that India produces higher-quality versions of the affected products and that the ban would not adversely affect domestic consumers.
However, the broader economic impact is expected to be substantial. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the banned items represent approximately $770 million in trade—roughly 42% of India’s total imports from Bangladesh. The move is widely interpreted as a possible act of trade retaliation, reflecting growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Amid the restrictions, the DGFT has clarified that certain essential commodities such as fish, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), edible oils, and crushed stone remain exempt and will continue to be imported via existing land and seaports.
This development marks a notable downturn in bilateral trade relations, which have historically fluctuated with political changes in both nations. India’s latest policy decision signals increasing discomfort with the political situation in Bangladesh and raises concerns about further deterioration in diplomatic ties.
