Trade Rift with India Could Deeply Harm Bangladesh

21-Apr-2025 05:11 PM

Kolkata. Bangladesh’s growing tilt towards China and Pakistan, while distancing itself from India, could prove economically harmful in the long run. Despite strategic moves to align with India’s regional rivals, analysts warn that China and Pakistan are more likely to exploit Bangladesh than support its growth.

Bangladesh heavily depends on India for imports of key agricultural and industrial products like rice, cotton, sugar, spices, and oil meal.

Its decision to close three key land ports on the Indian border threatens to disrupt this trade. With China and Pakistan unable to fill the supply gap, Bangladesh could face severe shortages and rising inflation.

Adding to the concern, Bangladesh has invited Chinese firms to develop economic zones near the Indian border. Critics point to the debt crises and unrest triggered by Chinese investments in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. A similar backlash could emerge in Bangladesh.

Cutting off affordable Indian goods may lead to price hikes and growing dissatisfaction among the Bangladeshi population, raising fears of internal unrest.