- India–Bangladesh relations, built on deep strategic and developmental cooperation, are facing renewed strain amid political instability in Dhaka. India’s intervention signals concern over rising radicalism and potential spillover risks to bilateral and regional security.
Evolution of India-Bangladesh Relationship
- Liberation Phase (1971–1975): India’s role in the 1971 Liberation War led to Bangladesh’s creation; the 1972 Friendship Treaty formalised close ties.
- Reversal Phase (1975–1990): Post-Mujib assassination, military regimes tilted towards Pakistan, triggering anti-India rhetoric.
- Democratic Flux (1990–2009): Alternating BNP–Awami League governments shaped ties; the Ganga Water Treaty (1996) was a key milestone.
- Partnership Consolidation (2009–2024): Hasina era stabilised relations through security cooperation, BBIN, power trade, and the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement.
- Strategic Uncertainty (2024–Present): Political unrest, Hasina’s exit, and rising Islamist influence compel India to recalibrate its Bangladesh policy.
Significance of Bangladesh for India
- Geostrategic & Connectivity Hub: Bangladesh is India’s gateway to the Northeast, bypassing the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor, and is central to the Act East Policy.
- Border & Security: Sharing India’s longest border (4,096 km), Bangladesh’s cooperation is key to countering insurgents (ULFA, NLFT) and ensuring border stability.
- Maritime Security: Bangladesh’s strategic location near the Bay of Bengal Sea lines of communication (SLOCs) is vital to secure trade routes and counter piracy in the Indian Ocean region.
- Regional Integration: Central to BBIN and BIMSTEC, driving sub-regional connectivity and trade.
Indo-Bangladesh Cooperation
- Political Trust: Institutionalised cooperation through the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement and Bangladesh’s role as G20 guest (2023).
- Regional Integration: Shared platforms in SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA position Bangladesh as India’s Bay of Bengal gateway. E.g., BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka.
- Economic Interdependence: Strong trade ties with $14.01 bn bilateral trade (FY 2023–24) and duty-free access under SAFTA.
- Connectivity Links: Multi-modal links boost trade and Northeast connectivity. E.g., Maitri Setu, Agartala–Akhaura rail.
- Energy & Security: Energy trade and defence cooperation enhance regional stability. E.g., 1,160 MW power supply.
Challenges in India–Bangladesh Relations
- Political Flux: Hasina’s 2024 exit triggered unrest, empowering Islamist groups and increasing risks of radicalisation and minority insecurity.
- Strategic Realignment: Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Turkey’s Islamist support, and China’s deepening infra–military ties are reshaping Dhaka’s external orientation.
- China Factor: Beijing’s role in the revival of the Lalmonirhat airbase and the Teesta project heightens security concerns in the vicinity of the Siliguri Corridor.
- Border Stress: Illegal migration and cross-border smuggling persist in Assam and West Bengal despite ongoing BSF–BGB coordination.
- Water Tensions: Stalled Teesta talks and the 2026 expiry of the Ganga Water Treaty pose significant bilateral challenges.
Way Forward
- Diversified Engagement: Broaden outreach beyond Sheikh Hasina by engaging opposition, civil society, and youth through Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy to ensure balanced ties.
- Strategic Balancing: Counter China’s deepening footprint (e.g., Teesta River Project, port infrastructure) by offering credible alternatives in trade, connectivity, and finance.
- Regional Cooperation: Leverage BIMSTEC, BBIN, and Act East to integrate Bangladesh with India’s Northeast and Southeast Asia, reducing Dhaka’s tilt towards Beijing.
- Patience & Pragmatism: Move beyond the 1971-centric narrative; invest in long-term trust through commerce, energy grids, digital linkages, and climate-resilient water-sharing agreements.
- Economic Hedging: Resume, renegotiate or expand trade agreements (e.g. CEPA/FTA talks) to reduce Dhaka’s tilt toward China.
India–Bangladesh relations require a comprehensive approach that combines strategic, economic, & people-to-people engagement to ensure regional stability & shared prosperity. As Sun Tzu noted, “Opportunities multiply as they are seized,” underscoring India’s need to transform challenges into long-term benefits.
Reference: The Hindu
PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 472
Q. Assess the importance of Bangladesh in India’s neighbourhood policy and regional security architecture. Analyse the emerging challenges in bilateral relations in the backdrop of recent developments and suggest a pragmatic response for India (250 Words) (15 Marks)
Approach
- Introduction: Write a contextual introduction about India-Bangladesh relations.
- Body: Write the importance of Bangladesh in India’s neighbourhood policy and regional security architecture, emerging challenges and suggest a pragmatic response for India.
- Conclusion: Emphasis on cooperation and an integrated approach to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations.
