India-Bangladesh relations under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been marked by significant cooperation and mutual respect. Over the past 50 years, these two neighboring countries have built a strong bond based on shared history, culture, and economic interests. Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has seen a focus on enhancing trade, security, and connectivity between India and Bangladesh, leading to improved bilateral ties. The collaboration has extended to various sectors, including infrastructure development, energy, and defense, showcasing a commitment to regional stability and prosperity. As both nations celebrate their 50-year journey together, the progress made under Sheikh Hasina’s tenure highlights the enduring and evolving partnership between India and Bangladesh.
Tags: GS-2, IR- India and its Neighbourhood- Bilateral Groupings & Agreements- India-Bangladesh Relations
Context:
- India’s relationship with Bangladesh faces uncertainty following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid violent protests.
- The Army has announced an interim government to oversee the transition.
- After leaving Dhaka, she arrived at Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad.
- She held talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the present situation in Bangladesh and her future course of action.
- The Indian Air Force and other security agencies are providing security to Hasina.
- While speculation exists that Hasina might travel to London, reports also suggest she could head to Belarus.
Brief Political History of Bangladesh:
- Formation and Early Years (1971-1975):
- 1971: Bangladesh gained independence, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League becoming the first Prime Minister.
- 1975: Rahman was assassinated in a coup.
- Military Rule and Political Instability (1975-1990):
- 1975: Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem appointed as president; military junta established.
- 1977: Gen Ziaur Rahman became president but was assassinated in 1981.
- 1982: Abdus Sattar ousted by a coup led by Army Chief H M Ershad, who resigned in 1990 due to widespread unrest.
- Civilian Governments and Attempts at Stability:
- 1991-96 and 2001-06: Terms served by Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, with an attempted coup in 1996.
- 2006-2008: Military-influenced caretaker government during a period of unrest.
- Post-2008 Stability:
- 2008: Sheikh Hasina returned to power, ensuring the military returned to barracks.
- 2010: The Supreme Court limited military interventions and reinforced secularism in the constitution.
India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship:
- Historical Ties:
- 1971: India played a key role in Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan.
- Mid-1970s: Relations strained due to boundary disputes and water-sharing issues, exacerbated by subsequent military regimes in Bangladesh.
- 1996: Stability restored under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, including the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty.
Economic Cooperation:
- Trade Growth:
- Recent Trends: Bangladesh is India’s 25th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totaling $12.9 billion.
- India’s exports to Bangladesh contracted by 9.5% to $11 billion in FY24.
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):
- Feasibility Study: In 2022, India and Bangladesh concluded a joint feasibility study on a CEPA.
- Significance: The CEPA is crucial as Bangladesh will lose its Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026, affecting its duty-free and quota-free access to Indian markets.
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
- Negotiations: Bangladesh aims to finalise an FTA with India and is also pursuing the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which raises concerns for India.
Infrastructure:
- Lines of Credit:
- Support: Since 2010, India has extended over USD 7 billion in Lines of Credit to Bangladesh for infrastructure development.
- Key Projects:
- Land Boundary Agreement (LBA): Resolved in 2015, addressing long-standing boundary disputes.
- Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link: Inaugurated in 2023, linking Bangladesh with India’s northeast through Tripura and improving access to Chattogram and Mongla ports.
- BIMSTEC Master Plan:
- Connectivity: Focuses on integrating major transport projects in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, and establishing a shipping network.
- Matarbari Port: India will emphasise this port, which is being built by Bangladesh, to create a vital industrial corridor connecting Dhaka and Northeast India.
- Energy:
- Volume: Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 MW of electricity from India.
- Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Signed a memorandum in 2018 involving Russia, Bangladesh, and India, marking Bangladesh’s entry into nuclear energy with its first reactor.
- Thermal Power Plant Project: Key initiatives include the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.
Defence Cooperation:
- Border Management:
- Extent: India and Bangladesh share a 4096.7 km border, the longest land boundary India shares with any neighbour.
- Joint Exercises:
- Army: Exercise Sampriti.
- Navy: Exercise Bongo Sagar.
Multilateral Cooperation:
- Regional Forums:
- SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
- BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
- IORA: Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Impact of Sheikh Hasina’s Exit on India:
- Loss of a Trusted Partner:
- Historical Ties: Sheikh Hasina’s resignation ends a 17-year period of strong bilateral relations with India, marked by significant cooperation on counterterrorism and security concerns.
- Strategic Challenges:
- Chinese Influence: Increased Chinese presence in Bangladesh threatens India’s strategic interests, risking encirclement by unfriendly neighbours, including China and Pakistan.
- Strategic Projects: Projects like the Teesta Reservoir are under Chinese scrutiny, highlighting India’s concerns over regional influence.
- BNP Rule Legacy:
- Anti-India Sentiment: BNP’s previous rule saw heightened anti-India rhetoric and support for insurgents. The new government’s stance on India remains uncertain.
- Border Security:
- Regional Instability: Tensions at the LoC and eastern Ladakh, along with a volatile Myanmar border, make stability in Bangladesh crucial for India’s security.
- Islamist Extremism:
- Potential Risks: Hasina’s exit might lead to a resurgence of radical extremism in Bangladesh, which could pose new security threats for India.
Diplomatic Approach:
- Current Stance:
- India has treated the protests in Bangladesh as an internal issue while supporting Hasina.
- Future diplomacy will need to adjust to the new Bangladeshi government, managing relations and ensuring continued cooperation.
Conclusion:
India must navigate the evolving political landscape in Bangladesh carefully, balancing security, economic, and diplomatic interests amidst the uncertainty following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q:1 With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (2017)
- The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 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: IE
FAQs
Q: How have India-Bangladesh relations evolved over the past 50 years?
- Answer: Over the past 50 years, India-Bangladesh relations have grown stronger, marked by cooperation and mutual respect. Initially, India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Since then, both countries have collaborated on various fronts like trade, security, and cultural exchange, strengthening their bond.
Q: What role has Sheikh Hasina played in India-Bangladesh relations?
- Answer: Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been instrumental in fostering positive relations with India. Her leadership has emphasized economic cooperation, improved border management, and collaboration on regional security. Under her tenure, both nations have signed several agreements to boost trade, connectivity, and cultural ties.
Q: What are some key achievements in India-Bangladesh relations under Sheikh Hasina?
- Answer: Key achievements include the resolution of the long-standing land boundary dispute, improved cross-border trade and transit agreements, and cooperation in power and energy sectors. Additionally, both countries have worked together on issues like terrorism and climate change, further cementing their partnership.
Q: How have trade relations between India and Bangladesh improved?
- Answer: Trade relations have significantly improved with increased bilateral trade, better transportation links, and the establishment of border haats (markets). Various agreements have facilitated smoother trade, leading to economic benefits for both countries. The focus on connectivity projects like railways and ports has also enhanced trade efficiency.
Q: What challenges do India and Bangladesh face in their relationship?
- Answer: Despite strong ties, challenges include border management issues, illegal migration, and water-sharing disputes. Both countries continue to work on these areas through diplomatic channels to find mutually beneficial solutions. Effective communication and cooperation are key to addressing these challenges and maintaining a robust relationship.
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