India lifts ban on non-Basmati rice export only to Bangladesh

India has lifted the ban on export of non-Basmati rice only to Bangladesh to help survivors of its devastating cyclone.
This was conveyed to Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury during his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the sidelines of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers conference in Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday evening.
The lifting of the ban, imposed on all countries, of export of non-Basmati rice whose price is below 400 dollars per ton, is applicable only to Bangladesh, a senior Indian official said.
The meeting between Chowdhury and Mukherjee lasted for more than an hour most of which was devoted to discussion on the measures needed to help Bangladesh in its hour of humanitarian crisis following the monstrous cyclone Sidr.
Chowdhury apprised Mukherjee of the devastations caused by the storm and gave a list of goods Bangladesh needs to help the survivors get back to normal life.
India is considering the requirements of Bangladesh and has promised to extend all possible assistance to its eastern neighbour.
Mukherjee conveyed to Chowdhury India's willingness for a long-term rehabilitation plan for cyclone survivors, the official said.
India has already announced an one million dollar comprehensive relief package for cyclone-hit people of Bangladesh and more assistance is likely to follow.
An Indian plane carrying relief material reached Bangladesh on Thursday and another is expected to reach the next day, the official said.
Mukherjee and Chowdhury will have an opportunity to meet again in Delhi next month when the Saarc foreign ministers meet in Indian capital for two days from December 7.