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To improve domestic sugar supply and control prices within the country, the central government recently took a major step by permitting the duty-free import of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar. Following this decision, expectations soared within Pakistan’s sugar industry and business community that they would finally be able to sell their sugar to India. However, India has flatly refused to engage in any form of trade with Pakistan, delivering a severe blow to the neighboring country’s economy and business sector.
Why India’s Decision Comes as a Major Blow to Pakistan
When the Indian government announced the duty-free import of raw sugar, Pakistan’s sugar industry strongly pressured its government to explore export possibilities to India. Traders across the border were eager to dump their sugar into the Indian market, as India would have served as an extremely close and lucrative destination for them. Driven by this ambition, Pakistan recently even issued a global tender to sell 105,000 tonnes of sugar. Pakistani traders had hoped that despite strained bilateral relations, they might find relief this time, but New Delhi’s strict stance shattered all their expectations.
Ministry of External Affairs Clarifies India’s Policy
Shedding light on the entire matter, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated unequivocally that India’s policy regarding trade with Pakistan remains crystal clear and has not undergone any changes. The existing trade restrictions and bans imposed on Islamabad since May 2019 will continue to be strictly enforced. The government also made it clear that while sugar will be imported from various other countries around the globe to meet domestic demands, not a single grain will be sourced from Pakistan.
Alternative Options Readily Available in the Global Market
The Indian government maintains that to fulfill the nation’s sugar demand, multiple reliable and robust options are readily available on the international stage. Raw sugar can be easily imported from other countries across the global market, meaning India has no need to depend on Pakistan or source imports from it. This strategic and firm decision by the Modi government once again demonstrates that India stands completely unwavering in its policies concerning national interest and security.
