Why in the News?
In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok during the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. It was their first official meeting since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Here, we have a detailed analysis of India-Bangladesh Relations
Key Highlights of India-Bangladesh Relations?
(i) Defence Cooperation: We can see that both sides engage their military in several joint military exercises. For eg, Exercise Sampriti (Army) and Exercise Bongosagar (Navy), Coordinated Patrol (Navy) to enhance defence cooperation.
(ii) Economic and Commercial: They are both their largest trade partners in Asia and South Asia, respectively. In FY 2023-24, the total bilateral trade stood at USD 12.9 billion. Bangladesh majorly exports apparel, textiles, jute and aerospace parts to India.
(iii) Energy and Connectivity: The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh. It can transport 1 Million Metric tons per Annum of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh. Key cross-border projects like the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, the Khulna-Mongla port rail line and Maitri Setu further strengthen connectivity and cooperation.
(v) Multilateral Cooperation: Both of them are actively engaged in forums like SAARC, BIMSTEC and IORA to strengthen economic and strategic partnership.
Significance of Bangladesh for India
(a) The country serves as a significant corridor for trade and transportation, linking India’s Northeast with the rest of the country and facilitating access to international markets.
(b) A stable, peaceful and cordial Bangladesh is necessary for regional security. Convergence on counter-terrorism, border security, and other national security matters is very important for establishing peace in the region.
(c) Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia, and India is the second-largest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia. The mutually beneficial economic partnership is helping India to materialise its goal of becoming a $ 5 trillion economy.
(d) Perennial engagement between India and Bangladesh is essential for the success of regional forums like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).
What are the Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations?
(i) Diplomatic Disconnect: India’s consistent support for Sheikh Hasina alienated other political and diplomatic stakeholders in Bangladesh. Due to this, India lags behind in maintaining institutional ties with the interim government.
(ii) Growing Chinese Influence: It is a key player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). So it receives a huge amount of Chinese investments in infrastructure projects like ports, roads, energy, telecom, and the Teesta River Restoration.
(iii) Border Management & Illegal Migration: Illegal immigration from Bangladesh remains a serious issue for India’s northeastern states, giving strength to socio-economic and political tensions. The Rohingya refugee crisis has exacerbated the issue.
(iv) Rise of Anti-India Sentiment: Despite robust economic ties, public perception in Bangladesh has only grown increasingly bitter. This is because of perceived Indian interference in Bangladesh’s internal politics.
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What Can Be Done to Enhance India-Bangladesh Relations?
(i) Engage Inclusively: Establish structured, long-term engagement with a broad spectrum by promoting track-2 diplomacy. It should be held through think tanks, retired diplomats, and academic institutions.
(ii) Leverage Multilateral Initiatives: Integrate Bangladesh within India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for regional maritime cooperation. Also, accelerate the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Initiative Motor Vehicles Agreement to boost regional connectivity. It will ensure efficient cross-border transportation and will foster trade and economic integration.
(iii) Border Management: Smart fencing on the border areas (under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)). Also, it should be done by giving priority to drug trafficking and cattle smuggling hotspots.
(iv) People-to-People Connectivity: A Bangladesh Cultural Corridor can promote Indian cinema, classical arts, and academic translations into Bengali. Scholarships can play a major role here. For eg, the ‘Suborno Jayanti Scholarship (SJS)’ for Bangladeshi youth in Indian universities and technical institutes.
Conclusion
At present, both countries should go with a prudent diplomacy and a pragmatic approach to navigate complicated challenges. Because they both are at a critical juncture. By encouraging diplomatic dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and deepening partnership, they can pave the way for a robust and more resilient bilateral relationship.