known as the “queen of fishes,” Hilsa is at the centre of a fresh appeal between India and Bangladesh, with Indian fish importers urging Dhaka to resume exports ahead of Durga Puja.
A Kolkata-based fish importers association has now written to Bangladesh’s commerce minister seeking permission to bring Hilsa into India during the festive season.
Indian importers have been bringing the fish from Bangladesh since 1996, making it a longstanding cross-border trade. Now, that supply line was cut in 2012 when Dhaka banned Hilsa exports.
Bangladesh later allowed limited exports during Durga Puja starting in 2019, but importers say the one-month window has not been enough to meet the demand.
Since then, the importers say they have repeatedly pressed for the restrictions to be eased. Bangladesh allowed 1,200 tonnes for export to India ahead of Durga Puja last year. This year, that limit has risen to 2,420 tonnes.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of close cultural and culinary ties between India and Bangladesh, with Hilsa a favourite in both the countries.
