Time For New Delhi To Choke Bangladesh? As Dhaka Requests Rice Import, Indian Traders Seek Ban On Export | India News

Bangladesh is not only struggling to restore peace ahead of general elections but is also failing to maintain law and order while fueling an anti-India rhetoric in the country. Amid the hatred spread by Bangladeshi militant leaders against India, Dhaka is seeking 55,000 tonnes of rice to acquire sufficient stocks.

Bangladesh may have reached a diplomatic deadlock with India, but worsening realities have forced it to reconsider its stance. The interim government, led by Muhammad Younis, realized that ignoring the supply of affordable essentials from India could further destabilize the country’s already fragile economy. The government’s treasury does not have enough funds to withstand expensive rice imports from Pakistan, leaving Dhaka with little choice but to return to India.

In reality, Bangladesh’s dependence on India goes beyond just rice. Dhaka, long dependent on India for at least five essential food and consumer goods, has constantly sought supplies from across the border in times of crisis.

According to Bangladesh-based newspaper The Daily Star, the government has decided to import 50,000 tonnes of rice from India at a price of approximately $355 per ton. This compares favorably with Pakistan’s reported offer of $395 per tonne for the same quantity. Bangladeshi officials admitted that it is not possible to source rice at such competitive prices even from Vietnam.

Looking ahead, Bangladesh plans to import at least 9,00,000 tonnes of rice in batches of 50,000 tonnes during 2025-26. The aim is to create strategic reserves and keep domestic prices under control.

Meanwhile, a section of Indian rice exporters have urged the government to stop rice shipments to Bangladesh due to recent attacks on India’s interests. Their concerns grew further after the Deputy High Commissioner’s office in Chattogram was targeted last week.

Exporters argue that the worsening situation puts Indian shipments at risk. They also note that Bangladesh had previously banned the export of raw jute, which forced many Indian jute mills to scale back their operations.

Angered by the latest developments, these exporters are questioning whether New Delhi will continue to supply rice amid alleged targeting of Indian citizens and institutions in Bangladesh.

Experts feel that the government should address the issue of anti-India rhetoric regarding Dhaka and make it clear that friendship cannot come at the cost of compromising sovereignty, and the Yunus government should shut down such non-state actors trying to create trouble in India.