The India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship is a multifaceted and dynamic partnership, marked by historical, cultural, and economic ties that date back to the birth of Bangladesh in 1971. Rooted in shared history and geographical proximity, the relationship has evolved into a strategic alliance, addressing mutual interests and regional stability. Over the years, both nations have collaborated on a wide range of issues, including trade, security, water resources, and infrastructure development. The partnership is underscored by regular high-level exchanges, robust people-to-people connections, and a commitment to addressing common challenges through dialogue and cooperation. As neighbouring countries with intertwined destinies, India and Bangladesh continue to work towards enhancing their bilateral ties, contributing to the broader goals of peace and prosperity in South Asia.
Tags: GS-2-IR- India and its Neighbourhood— Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Why in the news ?
- Recently, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day visit to India.
How Have the Ties Between India-Bangladesh Flourished?
Historical Ties:
- The foundation of India’s relationship with Bangladesh was established during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, with India providing crucial military and material support for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan.
- However, relations deteriorated within a few years as military regimes took control in Bangladesh, leading to rising anti-India sentiment in the mid-1970s over issues such as boundary disputes, insurgency, and water sharing.
- This instability persisted for several decades until Sheikh Hasina came to power in 1996, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties with a treaty on the sharing of Ganga waters.
- Since then, India and Bangladesh have developed cooperation in various areas including trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defence.
Economic Cooperation:
- Bangladesh has become India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching USD 15.9 billion in FY 2022-23, USD 18 billion in 2021-2022.
- It is up from USD 10.8 billion in 2020-21, though there was a dip in 2022-23 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War.
- India is also the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh, with exports amounting to USD 2 billion in Indian markets.
- In 2022, both nations completed a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- The CEPA is particularly significant as Bangladesh is set to lose its Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026, which will result in the loss of its duty-free and quota-free market access in India.
- Bangladesh aims to finalise a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India and also pursue the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a dual approach that raises concerns for India
Infrastructure:
- Since 2010, India has extended Lines of Credit to Bangladesh worth over USD 7 billion.
- India and Bangladesh resolved long-standing issues, including the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in 2015 and a maritime dispute over territorial waters.
- In 2023, India and Bangladesh inaugurated the Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link, connecting Bangladesh and the northeast through Tripura. This link provides India access to Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh for cargo movement.
- This rail link is expected to boost small-scale industries and development in Assam and Tripura.
- The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity aims to connect major transport projects in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, establishing a shipping network.
- India will focus on the Matarbari Port, 100 km from Tripura, being built by Bangladesh, creating an industrial corridor connecting Dhaka and Northeast India.
Energy:
- In 2018, Russia, Bangladesh, and India signed a memorandum on cooperation for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power reactor.
- Bangladesh imports 1160 MW of power from India in 2022-2023.
- Projects like the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant and India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline are key initiatives.
Defence Cooperation:
- India and Bangladesh share a 4096.7 km border, the longest land boundary India shares with any neighbour.
- The states of Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura share borders with Bangladesh.
- The two countries conduct joint exercises: Army (Exercise Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Bongo Sagar).
Multilateral Cooperation:
- India and Bangladesh engage in regional cooperation through multilateral forums such as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Cultural Cooperation:
- Cultural exchanges are facilitated through the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka.
- Programs in arts, dance, and language promote people-to-people contacts.
| PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India: Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day visit to India. This will be the first incoming bilateral State visit by a foreign leader after the formation of the new government following the Lok Sabha elections. Sheikh Hasina was among the seven leaders from India’s neighbourhood who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9. |
What are the Points of Tensions Between India and Bangladesh?
Sharing of Transboundary River Waters:
- India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers, but only two treaties have been signed: the Ganga Waters Treaty and the Kushiyara River Treaty.
- Other major rivers, such as the Teesta and Feni, are still under negotiation.
Illegal Migration:
- The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to India, including both refugees and economic migrants, remains a significant concern.
- This influx strains resources and security in Indian border states.
- The problem has intensified with Rohingya refugees entering India through Bangladesh.
- The National Register of Citizens (NRC) aimed at curbing such migration has raised concerns in Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh seeks Indian support in persuading Myanmar to take back the Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh.
Drug Smuggling & Trafficking:
- There have been numerous incidents of cross-border drug smuggling and trafficking.
- Humans, especially children and women, are trafficked, and various animal and bird species are poached through these borders.
Growing Chinese Influence in Bangladesh:
- Bangladesh is an active partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India is not a part of.
- China’s increasing involvement with Bangladesh could potentially undermine India’s regional standing and impede its strategic aspirations
PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India discussion: Controversy on the Teesta Water Dispute
- Background:
- The Teesta River originates in the Pauhunri mountain of Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and enters Bangladesh, joining the Brahmaputra.
- It is the second-largest river in West Bengal after the Ganga, making it crucial for both West Bengal and Bangladesh.
- Historical Context:
- India and Bangladesh have been negotiating the sharing of Teesta waters since the early 1980s.
- A water-sharing agreement was nearly signed in 2011 during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh, but it was halted due to last-minute objections by West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
- Recent Developments:
- In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dhaka, accompanied by Mamata Banerjee, and expressed confidence in finding a fair solution.
- Despite efforts, the issue remains unresolved. In a recent interview, Prime Minister Hasina emphasised the need for India to be more accommodating to resolve the dispute.
- Current Status:
- Bangladesh seeks an equitable share of the Teesta waters to ensure sufficient water flow during the dry season.
- India’s internal political dynamics, particularly the stance of the West Bengal government, play a significant role in the negotiations.
- Importance of Teesta Waters :
- The Teesta River is vital for irrigation and water supply in both countries. Sheikh Hasina recently urged India to show greater flexibility to resolve the issue.
Way Forward:
- Joint Task Forces:
- Establish joint task forces comprising law enforcement agencies from both countries to effectively combat cross-border drug smuggling and human trafficking.
- Shared intelligence and coordinated operations can disrupt illegal networks.
- Smart Border Management:
- Implement smart border management solutions that utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
- These technologies can streamline cross-border movements while ensuring security and efficiency.
- Digital Connectivity Corridor:
- Establish a digital connectivity corridor between the two countries, focusing on high-speed internet connectivity, digital services, and e-commerce.
- This initiative can create new avenues for trade, collaboration, and technological exchange.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q:1 With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (2017) 1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) Mains Q:1 Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (2018) |
Source: LM
FAQs
FAQ 1: What are the key areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh?
Answer: India and Bangladesh cooperate in various sectors, including trade and commerce, connectivity, energy, security, and cultural exchange. Key areas include:
- Trade and Commerce: Both countries have signed agreements to facilitate trade, resulting in increased bilateral trade. India is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners.
- Connectivity: India and Bangladesh have worked to enhance connectivity through road, rail, and waterways to facilitate trade and people-to-people contacts.
- Energy: Cooperation in the energy sector includes the import of electricity from India to Bangladesh and joint ventures in the energy sector.
- Security: Both nations collaborate on counter-terrorism and border management to ensure regional stability.
- Cultural Exchange: Programs promoting cultural ties and heritage, such as student exchange programs and cultural festivals, are regularly conducted.
FAQ 2: What are the major trade agreements between India and Bangladesh?
Answer: Several trade agreements facilitate economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh, including:
- Bangladesh-India Trade Agreement: This agreement enables the trade of goods and services between the two countries.
- SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area): Both countries are members of SAFTA, which aims to reduce tariffs and trade barriers among South Asian countries.
- BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement: This agreement facilitates the movement of cargo and passenger vehicles between these countries.
- CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement): Proposed to enhance bilateral trade and investment further, though it is still under discussion.
FAQ 3: How do India and Bangladesh manage their border issues?
Answer: India and Bangladesh have a comprehensive approach to managing their 4,096 km-long shared border. Key initiatives include:
- Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015: This landmark agreement resolved long-standing border disputes by exchanging enclaves and simplifying the international boundary.
- Border Security Management: Both countries coordinate through regular meetings between their border security forces (BSF of India and BGB of Bangladesh) to address cross-border crimes, human trafficking, and smuggling.
- Joint Boundary Working Group: Established to address and resolve any remaining boundary demarcation issues and to manage the border effectively.
FAQ 4: How has the India-Bangladesh relationship evolved over the years?
Answer: The India-Bangladesh relationship has evolved significantly since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, with notable developments including:
- 1971: India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence, providing military and diplomatic support.
- 1996: Signing of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, resolving a critical bilateral issue over water sharing.
- 2010s: Enhanced cooperation in areas such as connectivity, trade, and security, with several high-level visits and agreements.
- 2015: The signing of the Land Boundary Agreement marked a major milestone in resolving border disputes.
- Present: The relationship continues to strengthen with ongoing collaboration in trade, energy, security, and cultural exchange, demonstrating a multi-faceted partnership.
FAQ 5: What are the future prospects for India-Bangladesh relations?
Answer: The future of India-Bangladesh relations looks promising, with several areas poised for growth:
- Economic Integration: Continued efforts to boost trade and investment, with potential new agreements such as the CEPA, will further integrate the economies of both countries.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Ongoing projects to improve road, rail, and waterways connectivity will facilitate greater movement of goods and people.
- Energy Cooperation: Future joint ventures in renewable energy and the expansion of electricity trade will strengthen energy security.
- People-to-People Ties: Increased cultural exchanges and educational collaborations will deepen mutual understanding and ties.
- Regional Cooperation: As both nations play active roles in regional initiatives like SAARC and BIMSTEC, their cooperation will contribute to regional stability and development.
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