India has formally requested the export of hilsa fish from Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The country's Fish Importers' Association has submitted an application to the Bangladeshi government, seeking permission to resume the much-coveted export, reported the Hindustan Times on Tuesday (10 September).
It said that the issue of Hilsa exports to India had become uncertain following the resignation of Bangladesh's former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
Reports from Bangladesh have already indicated that the supply of Hilsa this year may not materialise, causing concern among Indian fish importers.
Hilsa, a beloved delicacy especially sought after during Durga Puja, is something India largely depends on Bangladesh to supply.
In recent years, the flow of this fish has slowed down, placing West Bengal's traders in a difficult position. In response, India's Fish Importers' Association has appealed to Bangladesh to send the Hilsa.
However, due to the political changes in Bangladesh, significant uncertainty surrounds whether hilsa will be exported to India this year.
Indian Fish Importers' Association has already made a formal request to Bangladesh's government adviser, Touhid Hossain, regarding Hilsa exports for the Durga Puja festival.
Apart from West Bengal, the demand for Bangladeshi Hilsa extends to Tripura and Assam.
Bangladesh supplies nearly 70% of the global Hilsa demand.
However, it remains unclear whether the country will meet India's request this year, and if so, how much will be sent.
Additionally, questions loom about whether the prices of Hilsa will remain affordable for the middle class and if the shipment will arrive before the festival or at a later date.
Analysts have warned that if Bangladesh decides to withhold the Hilsa supply altogether, India will be forced to import the fish from Myanmar.
