Sansad TV: India Bangladesh Relations | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• India and Bangladesh share deep-rooted connections based on their civilizations, cultures, societies, and economies.
• India played a significant role in the emergence of an independent Bangladesh and was the first country to officially recognize it as a separate state.
• The historic land boundary agreement signed in 2015 marked a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
• Both countries are members of SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, and the Commonwealth.
• India has consistently supported Bangladesh in times of need, providing aid and economic assistance to help the country cope with natural disasters and floods.

Importance of Present-Day Relations

• Security and Connectivity of Northeast India: A friendly Bangladesh ensures that its territory is not exploited for activities against India's interests. Cooperation from Bangladesh has led to the apprehension of key leaders of insurgent groups from India's Northeast, such as the United Liberation Front of Assam and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland.
• Bridge to Southeast Asia: Bangladesh serves as a natural pillar of India's Act East policy, acting as a bridge for economic and political linkages with Southeast Asia and beyond. Its participation in initiatives like BIMSTEC and BBIN is of great significance.
• Strengthening South Asia as a Regional Power: Bangladesh plays a crucial role in strengthening SAARC, promoting cooperation among member nations for economic growth and safeguarding strategic interests.
• Securing Sea Lanes of Communication: Due to its strategic location near important sea routes, Bangladesh can contribute significantly to containing piracy in the Indian Ocean.
• Countering Terrorism and Radicalization: A stable, open, and tolerant Bangladesh assists India in preventing the growth of extremists within its borders. It also facilitates cooperation in deradicalization efforts, intelligence sharing, and other counter-terrorism initiatives.
• Balancing China: Maintaining a neutral stance, Bangladesh can contribute to containing China's assertiveness in the region and countering its "string of pearls" policy.

Bilateral Relations:

• India and Bangladesh are currently experiencing a highly positive phase in their relationship, witnessing notable progress in diplomatic, political, economic, and security ties.
• Bilateral trade has surpassed $10 billion, with a significant 42.91% increase in Bangladeshi exports.
• The India-Bangladesh border is among the most secure borders for India.
• The Land Boundary Agreement, signed in 2015, successfully resolved a longstanding issue between the two neighboring countries in an amicable manner.
• Apart from the 660 MW of power imported by Bangladesh, India has further increased its electricity exports by an additional 500 MW.
• Train services between Dhaka-Kolkata and Kolkata-Khulna are functioning well, while construction is underway for a third route between Agartala and Akhaura.
• Bangladesh currently contributes 50% of India's revenue from health tourism.
• The relations between the border guarding forces of both countries are at their peak.

Concerns

• The Teesta water dispute remains a major problem due to continuous protests by the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee.
• The National Register of Citizens (NRC) has excluded 1.9 million people in Assam, labeling them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh firmly maintains that no migrants traveled illegally to Assam during the 1971 war of independence, and the NRC poses a risk to the bilateral relations.
• India's remarks on the Rohingya issue in 2017 have been distressing for Bangladesh, which has been facing the challenge of providing shelter to over a million Rohingya refugees escaping persecution.
• Bangladesh heavily relies on China for military hardware, and China's economic influence is growing.
• India has approved three Lines of Credit to Bangladesh since 2010, totaling $7.362 billion for financing development projects. However, due to bureaucratic hurdles, only $442 million had been disbursed by December 2018.
• While Bangladesh's implementation has been slow, India's requirement for the disbursement process to be approved by the Exim Bank has also not been helpful.

Way Forward

• Given the changing geo-economic landscape, it has become imperative to deepen India's relationship with Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh's remarkable economic growth and 8% growth rate make it a crucial regional partner.
• The India-Bangladesh border stands as one of India's most secure borders.
• The maturity achieved in Bangladesh-India relations lays the foundation for stronger bilateral ties in the future. It is India's responsibility to take the lead in addressing existing challenges.
• India should refrain from equating Bangladesh with fundamentally theocratic Muslim nations like Pakistan and Afghanistan, as Bangladesh prioritizes religious and racial harmony unlike its neighboring countries.
• Cooperation, coordination, and consolidation can elevate India-Bangladesh ties to the next level.
• The ongoing partnership between India and Bangladesh benefits both countries, fostering economic growth and improved development.
• It is crucial to address specific issues such as the Teesta water dispute and respond to Dhaka's call for assistance with the Rohingya issue.
• With 54 transboundary rivers shared between the two countries, effective water management is key to prosperity.
• Ensuring a tranquil, stable, and crime-free border through effective border management is essential.