New Delhi, March 11, (KNN) India’s export to the  SAARC nations have increased by 27.27 per cent in the period of April 2012- January 2013 as compared to 2009 while imports have also surged by 23.51 per cent over the same period. 
India’s export to SAARC nation was USD11537.54 million in the period of April 2012 to January 2013 as compared to 8390.69 in 2009-10.
 Bangladesh became biggest destination for Indian goods valued at USD 4055.15 million from April 2012- January 13.
Value of exports to other SAARC nations in US dollar for April 2012- January 13  was 387.14 million for Afghanistan,  162.14 million for Bhutan, 102.44 million for Maldives, 2373.47 million for Nepal, 1501.08 million for Pakistan and 2955.52 for Sri Lanka.
Whereas Indian import from SAARC was USD 2166.86 million from April 2012-January 13 while it was USD 1657.34 million in 2009.
Indian imports in US dollar for April 2012-13 was 105.10 million from Afghanistan, 409.66 million from Bangladesh,  126.71 million from Bhutan,  5.69 million from Maldives,  309.78 million from Nepal, 474.33 million from Pakistan and 573.59 million from Sri Lanka.
China is emerging as a competitor for India in the region. Though government rejects any idea of China becoming a problem for India.
“In the recent years, the geographical proximity and economic growth of China have translated into growth of China’s investment and interaction with all SAARC member countries. India’s relations with other countries stand on their own footing and are independent of the relations of those countries with third countries,” said Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry in LokSabha today.
 
Recent political unrest in Bangladesh had affected Indian trade with that country.
 
“Transport disruptions due to political agitations, including hartals in Bangladesh had impact on movement of goods across some Land Customs Stations.  Transport disruption was reported throughout the country with varying effect depending on the location, and was not specific to India-Bangladesh trade. With restoration of normalcy, the movement of goods was reported to have been restored,” he said (KNN/SK)