While India had hitherto allowed all exports from Bangladesh without restrictions, the transit and market access to the north east had been restricted by Bangladesh. This measure by India restores equal market access for both countries. Bangladesh has been seeking equality in engagement with India, sources said.
Relationship with Bangladesh will be on reciprocal terms. RMG imports from Bangladesh restricted to only two seaports (Kolkata and Nhava Sheva, Mumbai) is a reciprocal measure to Bangladesh imposing similar trade restrictions on Indian yarn and Rice as well as selectively enhanced inspection on all Indian goods exported to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh needs to realise that it cannot cherry pick terms of bilateral trade solely for its benefit or assume North East is a captive market for its exports, while denying it market access and transit.
As underlined by Prime Minister Modi, the NorthEast is integral to BIMSTEC. The equal market space now available in the resource-rich northeast is expected to give a fillip to manufacturing and entrepreneurship in the region under the Atmanirbhar Bharat schemes and policies.
