UPSC Notes-India Bangladesh Relations

India and Bangladesh share a multifaceted and dynamic relationship rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties. Here are detailed notes on India-Bangladesh relations suitable for UPSC preparation:

Historical Background

1. Pre-Independence Era:
   • India and Bangladesh (then East Bengal, and later East Pakistan) share historical and cultural ties dating back to ancient times.
   • The partition of India in 1947 divided Bengal into West Bengal (India) and East Bengal (Pakistan).
2. Bangladesh Liberation War:
   • India played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, leading to the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
   • Diplomatic relations were established immediately after Bangladesh’s independence.

Political and Diplomatic Relations

1. High-Level Visits:
   • Regular exchange of visits by leaders from both countries.
   • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2021 and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in 2022 are significant.
2. Framework Agreements:
   • Various bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on trade, investment, security, and cultural cooperation.
   • The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement resolved long-standing border disputes.

Economic and Trade Relations

1. Trade Volume:
   • Bilateral trade has grown significantly, with India being one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners.
   • Major exports from India include cotton, vehicles, and machinery, while Bangladesh exports textiles, jute, and fish.
2. Investment:
   • Indian companies have invested in various sectors in Bangladesh, including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
   • India has extended several lines of credit to Bangladesh for infrastructure development.
3. Connectivity Projects:
   • Enhancement of transport and connectivity, including rail, road, and waterways.
   • Initiatives like the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline for petroleum products and the revival of old railway links.

Security and Border Management

1. Border Security:
   • Cooperation in managing the 4,096 km long shared border, addressing issues like illegal migration, human trafficking, and smuggling.
   • Joint efforts to enhance border security through coordinated patrols and infrastructure development.
2. Counterterrorism:
   • Joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremist activities.
   • Intelligence sharing and cooperation in law enforcement.

Water Sharing and River Management

1. Transboundary Rivers:
   • Sharing of 54 transboundary rivers, including major ones like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Teesta.
   • The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty ensures the fair distribution of water from the Ganges during the dry season.
2. Pending Issues:
   • The Teesta River water-sharing agreement remains unresolved, a key issue in bilateral relations.
   • Ongoing dialogue to address water management and flood control.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

1. Cultural Exchange:
   • Deep cultural ties, including language, music, and literature.
   • Regular cultural exchange programs and celebrations of shared heritage.
2. Educational Cooperation:
   • Scholarships for Bangladeshi students to study in India.
   • Collaboration between universities and educational institutions.
3. Tourism:
   • Promotion of tourism, including religious and medical tourism.
   • Visa facilitation to enhance people-to-people contact.

Multilateral Cooperation

1. Regional Forums:
   • Active participation in regional organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
   • Collaboration on regional connectivity and development projects.
2. Global Platforms:
   • Cooperation in global forums like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
   • Joint initiatives on issues like climate change and sustainable development.

Challenges and Issues

1. Border Management:
   • Addressing border incidents and ensuring effective management of the shared border.
   • Tackling illegal activities and ensuring the welfare of border communities.
2. Water Sharing Disputes:
   • Resolving the Teesta water-sharing issue and other transboundary river disputes.
   • Ensuring equitable water distribution and sustainable river management.
3. Rohingya Crisis:
   • India’s support to Bangladesh in handling the Rohingya refugee crisis.
   • Collaboration on humanitarian assistance and seeking durable solutions.
4. Economic Imbalances:
   • Addressing trade imbalances and enhancing economic cooperation.
   • Ensuring that economic benefits are mutually advantageous.

Recent Developments

1. Enhanced Connectivity:
   • Inauguration of new rail and road links, boosting trade and people-to-people contact.
   • Development of the India-Bangladesh coastal shipping route.
2. Energy Cooperation:
   • Progress in energy cooperation, including cross-border electricity trade.
   • Initiatives like the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project.
3. Digital and Technology Collaboration:
   • Cooperation in digital technology and cyber security.
   • Joint initiatives in ICT development and innovation.