Why did India restrict imports from Bangladesh to just two ports?

Trade-related tensions between India and Bangladesh have been rising. In a seemingly retaliatory move, India has restricted the import of certain goods from Bangladesh to just two sea ports – Kolkata and Nhava Sheva. It has blocked 11 traditional land ports in the North East. This move has caused concern among both Bangladeshi and Indian traders as goods-laden trucks have been stuck at the various land ports. Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh last fiscal was $10.56 billion. India imported goods worth $1.56 billion, while exporting goods worth $9 billion to Bangladesh. Evidently, India enjoys a huge trade surplus with Bangladesh. So why has India imposed these curbs? What will be their impact on traders and consumers? And what are the chances of this crisis being resolved quickly? Guest: Kallol Bhattacherjee, who covers India-Bangladesh relations for The Hindu. Host: G Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Recorded by Jude Francis Weston and Vishnoo Jotshi Edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices