Introduction:

• The recent visit by Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina marked the first state visit by a foreign leader during PM Modi’s third term.
• Over the last decade, Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi have significantly advanced bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, marking a “golden chapter” in their history.

History of India-Bangladesh Relations:

• Bangladesh Independence (High Phase):
  • The foundation of India’s relationship with Bangladesh was laid during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
  • India provided critical military and material support to assist Bangladesh in its fight for independence from Pakistan.
  • The first independent government of Bangladesh, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was formed and administered from Theatre Road in Kolkata.
• Military Rule in Bangladesh (Low Phase):
  • Relations soured after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, and subsequent military regimes took control.
  • Anti-India sentiment rose during the military rules of General Ziaur Rahman (1975-1981) and General H.M. Ershad (1982-1991) over boundary disputes, insurgency, and water-sharing issues.
• Return of Parliamentary Democracy (Repair and High Phase):
  • After the return of parliamentary democracy in 1991 and Sheikh Hasina coming to power in 1996, bilateral ties improved.
  • A treaty on the sharing of Ganga waters was signed, and cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defense was strengthened.

Significance of India-Bangladesh Relations:

• Geo-strategic:
  • Bangladesh provides India with access to the Bay of Bengal and an important route for trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia.
  • Example: India uses Chattogram and Mongla ports for transporting goods to and from its northeastern states.
• Geo-political:
  • A stable and friendly Bangladesh is crucial for India’s security, particularly in counter-terrorism and border security.
  • Bangladesh’s support is vital in India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
• Economic:
  • Bangladesh is a critical economy for India’s exports and bilateral trade.
  • Example: Major Indian companies like Tata Motors, Marico, and Airtel have significant investments in Bangladesh.
  • Strengthening economic relations with Bangladesh is crucial for India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
• Cultural and Civilisational:
  • Bangladesh has a significant Hindu Bengali population and many religious-cultural sites associated with India.
• International Cooperation:
  • Active cooperation is crucial for the success of regional forums such as BIMSTEC, SAARC, and COPs to the UNFCCC.
  • Example: Collaborative projects under BIMSTEC like the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan to improve connectivity and trade in the Bay of Bengal region.

Areas of Cooperation:

• Political Cooperation:
  • Frequent bilateral visits and close relations between government heads.
  • Examples: Indian PM’s visit to Bangladesh for their golden Jubilee celebrations of Independence and the awarding of the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
  • Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina visited India to participate in the G-20 summit.
• Land Boundary Agreement (2015):
  • India and Bangladesh swapped disputed enclaves, resolving a major long-standing dispute.
  • The agreement allowed inhabitants of the enclaves to choose their country of residence.
  • Example: The 2015 resolution of 162 enclaves, with 111 in India and 51 in Bangladesh, improving relations and border management.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia.
  • Examples: Bilateral trade reached $18 billion in 2021-2022, and a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was concluded in 2022.
  • India has provided duty-free quota access to Bangladesh on all tariff lines except tobacco and alcohol under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) since 2011.
  • Example: Collaborations in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services.
• Infrastructure Cooperation:
  • India has extended Lines of Credit worth over $7 billion to Bangladesh since 2010.
  • Examples: The Ahaura-Agartala rail link connects Bangladesh and India’s northeast through Tripura, facilitating cargo movement and boosting regional trade.
  • ‘Maitri Setu’ bridge, a 1.9 km long bridge connecting Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, enhances connectivity and trade.
  • Example: The Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post (ICP) facilitates smooth cross-border trade and passenger movement.
• Energy Cooperation:
  • Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity from India.
  • Examples: The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, connecting Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Bangladesh, will transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh.
  • Example: Joint ventures in renewable energy projects like the India-Bangladesh Joint Venture Renewable Energy Project and the Adani Power project in Jharkhand to supply electricity to Bangladesh.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • India-Bangladesh border of 4096.7 km is the longest land boundary that India shares with any of its neighbors.
  • Joint exercises like Exercise Sampriti (Army) and Exercise Bongosagar (Navy) strengthen defense ties.
• Tourism Sector:
  • Bangladeshis make up a large portion of tourists in India.
  • Example: In 2017, the number of tourists from Bangladesh outnumbered those from Western Europe.
  • Initiatives to promote medical tourism and cultural tourism, including visa facilitation and joint tourism packages.
  • Example: The introduction of e-Tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens has boosted tourism.
• Medical Cooperation:
  • Bangladesh accounts for more than 35% of India’s international medical patients and contributes to over 50% of India’s revenue from medical tourism.
  • Example: Collaborative efforts in combating diseases like COVID-19, including vaccine distribution and healthcare infrastructure support.

Areas of Tension:

• Sharing of Transboundary River Waters:
  • India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers, but only two transboundary river water-sharing treaties have been signed: the Ganga Waters Treaty (1996) and the Kushiyara River Treaty (2022).
  • Example: The Teesta river water dispute remains unresolved, with Bangladesh seeking an equitable distribution of Teesta waters, which has not been agreed upon by India and the state of West Bengal.
• Deportation of Rohingyas:
  • Conflicting interests in the deportation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
  • Example: India seeks to give primacy to deportation from its mainland first and then later facilitate deportation from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
• Cross-Border Terrorism and Infiltration:
  • Issues like armed dacoity, fake money transfer, cattle smuggling, and prostitution raise internal security concerns.
• Drug Smuggling and Trafficking:
  • Bangladesh remains a prime transit point for heroin trafficking from South Asia to Europe, as noted in the 2007 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) report.
• Growing Chinese Influence:
  • Bangladesh is an active partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with significant Chinese investments in infrastructure.
  • Examples: China has built 12 highways, 21 bridges, and 27 power and energy projects in Bangladesh.
• Attacks on Minorities:
  • Ethnic attacks on Bangla-speaking Hindus in Bangladesh and attacks on Bangladeshis in India strain cultural relations.

Way Forward:

• Resolve Transboundary Water Disputes:
  • Early resolution of the Teesta river dispute through a tripartite committee involving India, Bangladesh, and West Bengal.
• Conclude Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
  • Finalize an FTA with Bangladesh before it loses its Least Developed Country status in 2026 to ensure continued duty-free and quota-free market access.
  • Example: Monitor and prevent misuse of the FTA by China to dump goods in India through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
• Establish Joint Task Forces:
  • Combat cross-border drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration through joint task forces.
  • Example: Joint efforts like the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to improve border management and surveillance to curb infiltration and illegal activities.
  • Example: Collaborative measures like the India-Bangladesh Joint Task Force on Countering Illicit Drug Trafficking enhance border security.
  • Example: Implementing smart border management systems to enhance surveillance and security.
• Create Digital Connectivity Corridor:
  • Establish high-speed internet connectivity, digital services, and e-commerce avenues between the two countries.
  • Example: Collaborate on digital infrastructure projects like the SAARC Satellite Communication Network to support technological exchange and innovation.
• Restore Bangladesh’s Global Image:
  • Help Bangladesh counter U.S. sanctions and improve its image by addressing democratic and human rights concerns.
  • Example: Work closely with Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies to reduce ethnic attacks on Bangla-speaking Hindus.

Conclusion:

• Strengthening India-Bangladesh relations is essential for developing North-East India, improving connectivity to Southeast Asia, and exploring the Indo-Pacific region.
• Deepening ties through mutual cooperation, resolving conflicts, and enhancing economic and social collaboration will benefit both nations.