Assam CM Supports Ban on Bangladesh Transshipment, Emphasizes Primacy of National Interest

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly backed the Indian government’s decision to withdraw the transshipment facility granted to Bangladesh, describing it as a bold and timely step to protect the nation's strategic and economic interests—particularly in the sensitive Northeast region.

In a post shared on social media, CM Sarma stated, “India’s decision to revoke the transshipment facility for Bangladesh underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’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.”

The move follows mounting national security concerns and a broader reassessment of cross-border trade and logistics agreements through the lens of regional stability and sovereignty. The Indian government recently revoked the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to the Middle East, Europe, and other destinations using Indian ports and airports.

Tensions escalated after Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, made a controversial remark during a visit to China, stating that India's northeastern states are "landlocked" and reliant on Bangladesh for access to the ocean. The statement sparked widespread backlash in India, especially in the Northeast, which shares a 1,600-kilometer-long border with Bangladesh.

While the transshipment route for exports has been halted, India has continued to allow Bangladeshi goods to be transported to landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan. This exception aligns with India's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), which mandates trade facilitation for landlocked countries.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the decision reaffirms India’s priority to safeguard regional autonomy and strengthens the Northeast’s strategic position. He also called for further scrutiny of cross-border agreements to ensure they align with national interests and regional security objectives.