Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina returned to power in Bangladesh for a historic fourth straight term. India was among the first countries to congratulate, illustrating the close bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Flourishing Ties Between India and Bangladesh
- Points of Tensions Between India and Bangladesh
- Way Forward
Flourishing Ties Between India and Bangladesh
Historical Foundation:
- The relationship began during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where India played a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh’s fight for independence.
Periods of Strain:
- Relations faced challenges in the mid-1970s, marked by anti-India sentiment, boundary disputes, and insurgency issues.
Revival under Sheikh Hasina:
- Since Sheikh Hasina came to power in 1996, bilateral ties improved, highlighted by a Ganga water-sharing treaty.
Areas of Cooperation:
- Trade Growth:
- Bilateral trade reached USD 18 billion in 2021-22, making Bangladesh India’s largest trade partner in South Asia.
- Economic Agreements:
- A joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was concluded in 2022.
- Lines of Credit:
- India extended over USD 7 billion in Lines of Credit to Bangladesh since 2010.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Joint projects like the Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link and the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity.
- Energy Collaboration:
- Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 MW of electricity from India, and both countries collaborate on the Rooppur Nuclear power plant project.
- Border Relations:
- Shared borders of 4096.7 km, the longest land boundary India has with any neighbor, leading to joint exercises and cooperation.
- Regional and Multilateral Engagement:
- Participation in regional forums such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and Indian Ocean Rim Association enhances regional cooperation.
Points of Tensions Between India and Bangladesh
- River Water Sharing:
- Despite sharing 54 common rivers, only two treaties (Ganga Waters Treaty and Kushiyara River Treaty) have been signed, leaving issues concerning major rivers like Teesta and Feni unresolved.
- Illegal Migration:
- The persistent issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to India, including refugees and economic migrants, creates strain in Indian border states, impacting resources and security.
- Rohingya Crisis:
- Rohingya refugees entering India through Bangladesh pose a challenge, leading to concerns over resources and security in Indian border states. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India has raised apprehensions in Bangladesh.
- Cross-Border Issues:
- Incidents of cross-border drug smuggling, human trafficking, and poaching of animal and bird species are significant challenges.
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
- Bangladesh’s active participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while India abstains, creates a potential source of tension as China’s influence in the region could affect India’s strategic standing.
Way Forward:
- Joint Task Forces:
- Establish joint task forces with law enforcement agencies from both countries to combat cross-border drug smuggling and human trafficking effectively.
- Intelligence Sharing:
- Promote shared intelligence and coordinated operations to disrupt illegal networks operating across borders.
- Smart Border Management:
- Implement smart border management solutions utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline cross-border movements, ensuring both security and efficiency.
- Digital Connectivity Corridor:
- Establish a digital connectivity corridor focusing on high-speed internet connectivity, digital services, and e-commerce to create new avenues for trade, collaboration, and technological exchange between India and Bangladesh.
-Source: The Hindu
