GUWAHATI: The Union Government has withdrawn the trans-shipment facility that permitted cargo exports from Bangladesh to third countries through Indian land customs stations, effective April 8, 2025. The decision, effective April 8, 2025, excludes shipments destined for Nepal and Bhutan, which will continue to transit access through Indian territory.
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The decision follows recent comments by Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, during his visit to China, where he referred to India’s northeastern states as “landlocked” and described Bangladesh as the “sole guardian of the ocean in the region.”
In a circular issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the government cited persistent logistical delays and rising operational costs as key reasons for the withdrawal. These were reportedly impacting India’s own export flows and causing congestion at ports and airports.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has also issued a notification rescinding Circular No. 29/2020-Customs, which had authorized the trans-shipment arrangement since June 2020. The new directive clarifies that cargo already in transit before the effective date will be allowed to exit under the existing process.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on his social media handle X (formerly Twitter), commended the Centre’s decision to revoke the transshipment facility for Bangladesh.
He wrote, “India’s decision to revoke the transshipment facility for Bangladesh underscores Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ‘s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests and the security of the Northeast region. This decisive action reflects the government’s firm stance on protecting India’s strategic and economic priorities.”