Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and Its Neighborhood, Issue: India – Bangladesh Relations.
Context:
India and Bangladesh relations are at a critical juncture after political changes in Dhaka, requiring both countries to avoid short-term political issues and focus on long-term strategic cooperation.
Key Takeaways:
BACKGROUND:
- India–Bangladesh relations have historically evolved through shared history, culture, and geography since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
- Bilateral cooperation includes trade, connectivity, energy, water sharing, and border management.
- The Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina maintained a pro-India stance, strengthening ties.
- Political transitions can affect foreign policy continuity and bilateral stability.
- The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) governs sharing of Ganga waters between India and Bangladesh.
- BIMSTEC is a regional organisation promoting cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries.
Political Instability Strains India-Bangladesh Partnership:
- over two decades, India and Bangladesh built one of South Asia’s most stable partnerships due to political alignment and mutual interests.
- The ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024 and subsequent instability, including minority-related tensions, strained this relationship.
- The victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party signals a shift, but also presents an opportunity for recalibrated and mature engagement.
- Bangladesh’s demand for extradition of Sheikh Hasina and others reflects domestic political positioning rather than a purely legal issue.
- India is unlikely to comply due to concerns over fairness of the International Crimes Tribunal and its perceived political bias.
Conclusion: Sustaining India–Bangladesh relations require insulating diplomacy from short-term politics and prioritising long-term mutual benefits, regional stability, and cooperative development.
Source: (The Indian Express, The Hindu, Live Mint)
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