India Exports 500 Tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh in First Reversal of Traditional Fish Trade Flow, With Gujarat-Sourced Shipments Meeting Domestic Shortage

India has exported around 500 tonnes of hilsa to Bangladesh over the past two months, marking the first reversal of the traditional trade flow of the prized fish between the two countries, according to fish traders. Another 150 to 200 tonnes of hilsa is expected to be exported to Bangladesh in the coming weeks. The exports came amid reports of lower hilsa production in Bangladesh this year, prompting local fish traders to turn to India to meet domestic demand. Traders said the consignments have been sourced mainly from Gujarat and shipped through Bharuch port, while some supplies have been routed through the Howrah wholesale fish market in West Bengal. This is the first time hilsa from our country is being exported to Bangladesh, said Syed Anwar Maqsood, secretary of the Howrah Wholesale Fish Importers' Association, who described it as a welcome development with most of the catch from Gujarat. Bangladesh is traditionally one of the world's largest producers of hilsa, and the fish holds an important place in Bengali food and cultural traditions on both sides of the border. India has also traditionally received hilsa from Bangladesh ahead of the Durga Puja season. Hilsa imports from Bangladesh into India have faced restrictions for years. According to Maqsood, Bangladesh began permitting limited exports to India during the Durga Puja period from 2019. The permitted quantities have not always translated into actual imports. In September 2024, Bangladesh allowed 2,420 tonnes of hilsa to be exported to India, but only 577 tonnes were reportedly imported. In September 2025, 1,200 tonnes were permitted, while actual imports stood at around 150 tonnes. Pradip Dey, director of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, told The Indian Express that the export of Indian hilsa to Bangladesh is a strong market signal, reflecting the fish's consumer demand and economic value. There is currently no clarity on whether Bangladesh will allow exports of Padma River hilsa to Ind