India restricts imports from Bangladesh as ‘reciprocal measure'
India's commerce ministry announced restrictions on some imports from Bangladesh via its land borders, prompting fears for the South Asian country's export-reliant economy.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated after former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina – a long-term New Delhi ally – was ousted last year, and fled to India where she is currently living in self-imposed exile.
New Delhi announced late on Saturday that ready-made garments from Bangladesh cannot be imported through land borders, while some other goods – including cotton, processed foods and wooden furniture – have been barred from at least six entry points in northeast India.
The announcement came after Bangladesh banned yarn and rice imports from India through the same land routes last month.
An Indian government source described the new restriction on garment imports as a 'reciprocal measure', adding that the move will 'restore equal market access for both countries'.
The government in Dhaka said it had not been officially informed of the latest restrictions.
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