India will not provide facility to Bangladesh to change cargo ships
Prabha Gupta April 9,2025
India has stopped the movement of Bangladesh cargo ships through its routes. This decision has come after the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, during his recent four-day visit to China, described India’s Northeast as ‘landlocked’ and presented it as a possibility for China’s economic expansion. This move is being seen as a sign of increasing tension and changing equations in India-Bangladesh relations.
Muhammad Yunus had said during a high-level discussion in Beijing, ‘Northeast i.e. seven states of India are landlocked. They have no way to reach the sea. Bangladesh is the only guardian of the sea for this entire region. This can be a big opportunity for China’s economy.’ India took this statement not only as a comment on its territorial sovereignty, but also saw it as an attempt to bring China closer to the Northeast.
This corridor, a narrow road of only 22 km wide in Siliguri, is strategically very sensitive. This area connects India to its northeastern states and if China makes its economic or strategic hold here through Bangladesh, it can become a security threat to India. Yunus’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh’s economy is in crisis and it is expecting investment from China. China has already promised $ 400 million for Mongla Port and $ 350 million for the economic zone in Chittagong.
Under the facility of movement of cargo ships for Bangladesh, which was going on since 2020, Bangladesh could send its goods to Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar via India. This facility was an economical and fast way for Bangladesh’s trade. But on April 8, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs canceled it. The Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘This facility was increasing the congestion at our ports and airports, which was delaying our own exports.’ But experts believe that the real reason is Yunus’ inclination towards China and his comments on the Northeast.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Yunus’ statement as objectionable and reprehensible and said that it exposes the weakness of the ‘Chicken Neck’. He advocated the development of alternative road routes. This move of India gives a clear message to Bangladesh that it cannot challenge India’s interests by misusing its strategic position.
This decision will affect Bangladesh’s trade. It may now have to resort to longer and costlier routes to send goods to Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar. This will put further pressure on its already weak economy.
This move can benefit India’s export sectors like textiles, shoes and gems-jewellery, where Bangladesh is its competitor. But the Northeast will continue to face its connectivity and development challenges.
China already claims Arunachal Pradesh and is building infrastructure there. If Bangladesh becomes its ally, it will be a two-front challenge for India. Yunus’ statement is being considered a step that increases this threat.
India-Bangladesh relations were strong under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, but tensions have increased since her ouster and Yunus’ interim rule. Yunus chose China instead of India for his first foreign visit. This was also a signal. Recently, PM Modi met Yunus at the BIMSTEC Summit and talked about positive relations, but this decision shows that India is now ready to take a tough stand.
India’s closure of Bangladesh cargo ships is a diplomatic and economic response that warns Bangladesh to stay within its borders. The move may be necessary for regional stability and India’s security, but it also raises questions about whether it will further deteriorate relations. If Bangladesh furthers its partnership with China, India may have to toughen its strategy.
