The multifaceted relationship between India and Bangladesh is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and geopolitical ties. Sharing a border that spans over 4,000 kilometers, the two nations have a complex history shaped by the struggle for independence from British rule in the Indian subcontinent. Today, they are not only neighbors but also strategic allies. Economic cooperation, trade partnerships, and joint development projects underline their commitment to fostering mutual growth. Additionally, cultural affinities, linguistic similarities, and shared traditions contribute to a people-to-people connect that transcends political boundaries. However, challenges such as border disputes and water-sharing issues underscore the intricacies of their relationship. As both countries navigate the dynamics of regional geopolitics, the India-Bangladesh connection remains a dynamic tapestry, weaving together the threads of shared history, economic interests, and cultural bonds.
Tag: GS Paper-2: India and its neighbourhood; Bilateral groupings & agreements.
Exam View:
India-Bangladesh relations; Historic and cultural ties; Economic ties; Strategic ties.
Context:
Bangladesh-India friendship is at an all-time high level in its 52-year history.
Decoding the editorial: India-Bangladesh relations
Historic and cultural ties
- 2018: Bangladesh’s Minister of Liberation War Affairs handed over the Liberation War Award to the families of 12 martyred members of the Indian Armed Forces in Fort William, Kolkata. The process to honour 1,582 Indian Army personnel martyred during the war is on.
- 2021: Indian Prime Minister visited Bangladesh as a “Guest of Honour” during Mujib Borsho (the centenary of Bangladesh’s founder and the country’s former President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman).
- On Bangabandhu’s birth centenary, a digital exhibition was organised on the life history of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi. The exhibition has travelled to 18 countries, besides India and Bangladesh.
- The then President of India visited Bangladesh the same year on the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s victory in its War of Independence.
- There is no other example of the President and Prime Minister of India visiting the same country during the Covid pandemic.
- This indicates the excellent relations between the two countries.
- 2022: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India. In a series of important meetings with her, the Indian PM assured Sheikh Hasina of maximum cooperation in communication, security, uniform river water distribution, border management, trade expansion and in the power and energy sectors.
- During Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India last year, a decision was taken to distribute 200 Mujib scholarships among the family members of the Indian Armed Forces who participated in Bangladesh’s liberation war.
Economic ties
Trade:
- In the last financial year, Bangladesh’s exports to India increased 100 percent and are valued at $2 billion.
- India’s exports to Bangladesh have increased by 70 percent and are currently at $16 billion.
- Diplomatic efforts to reduce the trade deficit with India are on.
- Talks are on for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to increase trade between the two countries.
Energy:
- Both have reached a consensus to continue cooperation to deal with potential energy crises.
- Bangladesh imports 1,160 MW of electricity from India.
- Discussions on importing electricity from Nepal and Bhutan via India are on.
Connectivity:
- The Akhaura-Agartala rail line will be launched in the next few months and the Shahjadpur-Kulaura line will be completed after that.
- The connectivity between Petropol and Benapol, Gede and Darshana, and Birol and Radhikapur connectivity will protect the interests of both countries.
Water resources management
- The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the distribution of the waters of the Feni River.
- They have agreed to exchange technical information and set up a framework for an interim agreement on sharing waters of six rivers — Manu, Mahuri, Khowai, Gomti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
- An MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Water Resources on the withdrawal of up to 153 cusecs of water by the two countries from the common border River Kushiyara during the dry season.
- Governments led by both the Congress and BJP governments have talked of signing the Teesta Agreement.
Strategic ties
- The government of Bangladesh has assured that no activity in Bangladesh endangers the geographical integrity of India and disturbs the stability of the seven northeastern states.
- One of the top leaders of ULFA, Anup Chetia, was handed over to India.
- Top leaders of India and reports in the Indian media regularly praise the Bangladesh leadership for this.
The relationship between the two countries is very deep. Much of it is rooted in the shared culture of the two nations.
Source: Indian Express
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the historical connection between India and Bangladesh?
The historical connection between India and Bangladesh dates back to the struggle for independence from British rule in the Indian subcontinent. Both nations share a common history of resisting colonial forces, which has contributed to the foundation of their relationship.
Q: How do India and Bangladesh collaborate economically?
Economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh is robust, involving trade partnerships, joint ventures, and development projects. The two nations actively engage in enhancing bilateral trade and investment, fostering economic growth on both sides.
Q: What cultural ties bind India and Bangladesh together?
India and Bangladesh share deep cultural affinities, including linguistic similarities, traditions, and shared historical experiences. These cultural bonds create a strong people-to-people connect that transcends political boundaries and contributes to a sense of shared identity.
Q: What are the key challenges in the India-Bangladesh relationship?
Despite the strong connection, the relationship faces challenges such as border disputes and issues related to water-sharing. These challenges reflect the complexities that both nations must navigate as they work towards maintaining a balanced and harmonious relationship.
Q: How do India and Bangladesh collaborate on regional and geopolitical issues?
India and Bangladesh are strategic allies in addressing regional and geopolitical concerns. They often work together on platforms like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to address shared challenges and promote regional stability. The collaborative efforts reflect a commitment to mutual interests in the broader geopolitical context.
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