Recently, amid strained relations with Bangladesh, the union government implemented several trade restrictions on Bangladeshi goods, particularly ready-made garments. This sector is the country’s largest export item and a crucial source of foreign exchange. In this article, we discussed India-Bangladesh relations.
Evolution of the relation
India and Bangladesh share a unique relationship, bound by cultural, linguistic, and historical ties.
(a) Both share a natural bond due to their common cultural heritage and historical events, such as the partition of 1947.
(b) India played a vital role in Liberating Bangladesh and recognized it as a separate state. Bangladesh Liberation Day, 16th December, is celebrated as “Vijay Diwas” in India.
(c) Also, the Prime Minister of India called the bilateral relationship ‘Sonali Adhyay’ (golden phase).
Significance of Bangladesh to India
(i) Geopolitical: Bangladesh has a long land, riverine, and maritime boundary. This makes it important for India’s security and foreign policy. For example, India requires cooperation from Bangladesh to curtail the Chinese ‘String of Pearls’.
(ii) Economic: Both have close economic ties, with India being one of Bangladesh’s biggest trading partners. For example, the bilateral trade between them is USD 18.2 billion.(2021-22)
(iii) Cultural: Both have a common history, culture, and heritage. The people from both sides share strong cultural and familial ties. Also, there is a large population of Indian-origin people living in Bangladesh.
(iv) Strategic: Bangladesh’s location between South Asia and Southeast Asia is important for India’s Act East Policy. Its aim is to make better and closer relations with the countries of Southeast Asia.
(v) Environmental concerns: Common transboundary rivers and ecological systems make it significant for both sides to cooperate on issues such as water management and flood control. For example, collaborative efforts need to be there for the conservation of the Sunderbans.
Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations
Geopolitical challenges:
(i) Border disputes: Age-old disputes over the demarcation of the shared border, especially in the states of Assam and Tripura.
(ii) Illegal immigration: The coming of migrants through the Bangladeshi border due to the country’s unrest has exacerbated the relationship.
Economic challenges:
(i) Non-tariff barriers: Both face non-tariff barriers, such as lengthy customs procedures and bureaucratic red tape, which have hampered efficient trade.
(ii) Sharing river water: Non-convergence over river water sharing is a major challenge. There are 54 cross-border rivers.
Security challenges:
(i) Terrorism: Bangladesh-based terrorist groups are accused by the Indian side of carrying out attacks and have asked for greater cooperation in eliminating terrorism.
(ii) Insurgency: The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, and the National Liberation Front of Tripura all run camps in Bangladesh.
China factor:
China’s burgeoning investments in Bangladesh, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, energy, and telecommunications, are a major threat to India. For example, BRI and investment in the Chittagong port.
Energy challenges
(i) Water-sharing: Problem of water sharing due to common rivers, specifically the Brahmaputra and the Ganges. For eg, the Teesta River dispute and the Farakka barrage dispute.
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What measures could enhance Indo-Bangladesh relations?
(i) Teesta river water dispute: To call a consensus for making clear the extent of the Teesta river and coming to a mutual agreement as soon as possible.
(ii) Energy security: Due to the continuation of the global energy crisis, it becomes necessary for both sides to cooperate in making use of clean and green energy to make South Asia Energy self-sufficient.
(iii) India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline: It will help move high-speed diesel to Northern Bangladesh from India, so completion needs to be expedited. Diverting attention towards the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations is required. It will ensure robust economic ties between India and Bangladesh.
(iv) Countering China: Aiding Bangladesh with critical and emerging technologies, along with fiscal help, will further strengthen the relationship and help India curtail China’s influence to a greater extent.
(v) Tackling the Refugee Crisis: India and Bangladesh can encourage other countries in the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to develop a SAARC declaration on refugees, laying down a specific procedure for determining the status of refugees and economic migrants.
Conclusion
Bangladesh-India relations are at a critical juncture, demanding that both nations steer the ship through complex challenges with prudent diplomacy and pragmatism. By giving more importance to dialogue, fostering inclusivity, and diversifying partnerships, they can ensure a robust and more resilient bilateral relationship.