Kargil conflict brings sugar import from Pak to halt

CHANDIGARH, JULY 13: India has stopped import of sugar from Pakistan since the start of the Kargil conflict and its resumption would be c...

CHANDIGARH, JULY 13: India has stopped import of sugar from Pakistan since the start of the Kargil conflict and its resumption would be considered at an appropriate time’, Commerce Minister Ramakrishna Hegde said today.

“Though we had surplus stock of sugar, we were importing it from Pakistan on their request as a goodwill gesture,” he told reporters here.

However, the Kargil conflict had not caused any adverse impact on India’s exports, he said, pointing to the 12 per cent growth rate in exports during May.

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“India has achieved a remarkable export growth rate of 12 per cent in May against the normal growth of eight per cent in the previous month,” the minister said.

Earlier in Ludhiana, Hegde said it was left to Pakistan to decided if it wanted to trade with India.

“If Pakistan wants war, they have to be ready to face the consequences. They are welcome to opt for peace,” he said.

While official trade between India and Pakistan ranged between Rs 800 crore and Rs 900 crore, irregular trade through Dubai was 12 times more, he said.