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
- 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).
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Counterterrorism:
- Joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremist activities.
- Intelligence sharing and cooperation in law enforcement.
Water Sharing and River Management
- 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.
- 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
- Cultural Exchange:
- Deep cultural ties, including language, music, and literature.
- Regular cultural exchange programs and celebrations of shared heritage.
- Educational Cooperation:
- Scholarships for Bangladeshi students to study in India.
- Collaboration between universities and educational institutions.
- Tourism:
- Promotion of tourism, including religious and medical tourism.
- Visa facilitation to enhance people-to-people contact.
Multilateral Cooperation
- Regional Forums:
- Active participation in regional organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- Collaboration on regional connectivity and development projects.
- 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
- Border Management:
- Addressing border incidents and ensuring effective management of the shared border.
- Tackling illegal activities and ensuring the welfare of border communities.
- Water Sharing Disputes:
- Resolving the Teesta water-sharing issue and other transboundary river disputes.
- Ensuring equitable water distribution and sustainable river management.
- Rohingya Crisis:
- India’s support to Bangladesh in handling the Rohingya refugee crisis.
- Collaboration on humanitarian assistance and seeking durable solutions.
- Economic Imbalances:
- Addressing trade imbalances and enhancing economic cooperation.
- Ensuring that economic benefits are mutually advantageous.
Recent Developments
- Enhanced Connectivity:
- Inauguration of new rail and road links, boosting trade and people-to-people contact.
- Development of the India-Bangladesh coastal shipping route.
- Energy Cooperation:
- Progress in energy cooperation, including cross-border electricity trade.
- Initiatives like the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project.
- Digital and Technology Collaboration:
- Cooperation in digital technology and cyber security.
- Joint initiatives in ICT development and innovation.
