India-Bangladesh Relations | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

 Introduction 

The recent state visit of Bangladesh's Prime Minister to India marks a significant moment in the ongoing positive relationship between the two countries. 

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Digital Partnership:. shared vision for the 'India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership' was established. 
• Green Partnership: An agreement on the 'India-Bangladesh Green Partnership' was signed to promote sustainability. 
• Maritime Cooperation:. memorandum of understanding (MoU) on maritime cooperation, blue economy, and oceanography was signed. 
• UPI Launch:. commercial agreement between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank for the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). 
• Ganga Water Treaty: Formation of a joint technical committee to discuss the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. 

Importance of India-Bangladesh Relations

For Both Countries:

• Trade Partners: Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladesh's second-largest trade partner in Asia, with bilateral trade reaching USD 14.01 billion in 2023-24. 
• Security and Border Management: Both nations cooperate on police matters, anti-corruption, and issues like drug trafficking, fake currency, and human trafficking. 
• Defence Cooperation: Joint military exercises such as SAMPRITI and MILAN exemplify defence cooperation. 
• Peaceful Border Management: The countries work together to secure their 4,096 km long international border through measures like border fencing and joint inspections of boundary pillars. 
• Dispute Resolution: The Land Boundary Agreement (2015) and the delimitation of the maritime boundary are examples of peaceful dispute resolution. 
• Sub-Regional Cooperation: Both countries share a vision for maritime security and the development of the ocean economy in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• Multilateral Engagement: Participation in platforms like SAARC, BIMSTEC, BBIN, and IORA. 
• Enhanced Connectivity: Initiatives like the Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT) and the operationalization of Chittagong and Mongla Ports agreements. 
• Cultural Relations: Institutions like the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka foster cultural ties. 

Significance for India:

• Internal Connectivity: Improved access to Northeast India, exemplified by projects like the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link. 
• Regional Integration: Bangladesh is central to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East' policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific vision. 
• Countering China's Influence: Strengthening ties with Bangladesh helps India counter China's growing influence in the region. 

Significance for Bangladesh:

• Development Partnership: India has extended approximately USD 8 billion in Lines of Credit (LoC) to Bangladesh over the past eight years. 
• Human Resource Development: India provides training to Bangladeshi civil service and police officials. 
• Humanitarian Assistance: Initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, which provided Covid-19 vaccines to Bangladesh, showcase India's commitment to humanitarian assistance. 

Challenges in the Bilateral Relationship

• River Water Disputes: The lack of a proper mechanism for sharing interstate waters, particularly the Teesta River, poses a challenge. 
• China's Influence: China's role as Bangladesh's strategic partner and arms supplier, along with joint military exercises, raises concerns for India. 
• Internal Security Issues: Illegal migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar, especially the Rohingya crisis, has led to conflicts in India's Northeast. 
• Radicalization and Minority Treatment: Rising radicalization and the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh could impact its security and have repercussions for India. 
• Impact of India's Domestic Policies: Policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) may strain India-Bangladesh relations. 

Recent Developments in Bilateral Relations

• Regional Cooperation: Bangladesh's participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. 
• Power and Energy Cooperation: Projects like the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant. 
• Digital Public Infrastructure: MoU on digital payment cooperation between NPCI and Bangladesh Bank. 
• Space Diplomacy: Joint development and launch of small satellites using Indian vehicles. 
• Medical Tourism: Extension of e-medical visa facilities to Bangladeshi citizens. 

Steps to be Taken

• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Initiate negotiations for CEPA and operationalize Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offered by Bangladesh to India. 
• Hydro Diplomacy: Conclude a water-sharing treaty, especially for the Teesta River, to manage transboundary river issues. 
• Joint Rivers Commission: Utilize this commission to develop a framework for interim water sharing. 
• Power and Energy Collaboration: Expand collaboration in power and energy sectors to facilitate intra-regional electricity trade. 
• Connectivity Projects: Accelerate connectivity projects like the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement to enhance trade and connectivity. 
• Regional and Sub-Regional Integration: Promote Bangladesh as a key anchor for regional and sub-regional integration under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA frameworks. 
• Development Partnership Framework: Conclude a new framework agreement for development partnership to broaden the scope of projects and programs. 
• Cross-Border Immigration Management: Implement digitalization measures at the grassroots level to manage cross-border immigration effectively. 

Conclusion

The relationship should evolve based on a shared vision of connectivity, commerce, and collaboration. By recognizing each other as essential partners, both nations can achieve their development goals, such as "Viksit Bharat 2047" for India and "Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041" for Bangladesh.