INDIA-BANGLADESH
1. Context
Recently, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a historic fourth consecutive term in Bangladesh after her party, the Awami League, won two-thirds of the seats in the national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the initial global leaders to extend congratulations to Ms Hasina, highlighting the strong bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India.
2. The Evolution of India-Bangladesh Ties
- The genesis of India's relationship with Bangladesh traces back to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War when India played a crucial role in providing military and material support for Bangladesh's fight for independence from Pakistan.
- However, in the aftermath, relations faced challenges as military regimes took control, leading to a rise in anti-India sentiment in the mid-1970s.
- Issues such as boundary disputes, insurgency, and water-sharing disputes contributed to the strained ties.
- The situation persisted for several decades until Sheikh Hasina assumed power in 1996, ushering in a new era in bilateral relations.
- Under her leadership, a significant milestone was reached with the signing of a treaty on the sharing of Ganga waters.
- Since then, India and Bangladesh have successfully fostered cooperation in various areas, including trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defence.
3. India-Bangladesh Economic Ties
- Over the past decade, bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has demonstrated consistent growth.
- Bangladesh has emerged as India's largest trade partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade surging from $10.8 billion in 2020-21 to $18 billion in 2021-2022.
- However, a slight dip occurred in 2022-23 due to the impact of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
- In return, India stands as Bangladesh's second-largest trade partner, with exports amounting to $2 billion in the Indian markets.
- In 2022, both countries successfully concluded a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- This agreement, designed to reduce or eliminate customs duties on traded goods and streamline trade norms, is expected to unlock broader social and economic opportunities.
- The CEPA gains added significance as Bangladesh is poised to lose its Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026, thereby forfeiting its duty-free and quota-free market access in India.
- Dhaka is keen to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Delhi and simultaneously pursue the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). This dual-track approach raises concerns for India.
4. India's Infrastructural Investments in Bangladesh
- As a significant development partner for Bangladesh, India has been actively contributing to various infrastructure and connectivity projects.
- Since 2010, India has provided Lines of Credit totalling over $7 billion. A milestone in this collaboration was achieved last year when Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, connecting Bangladesh and the northeast through Tripura.
- This link grants India access to Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh, facilitating cargo movement and poised to stimulate small-scale industries while fostering the development of Assam and Tripura.
- In the energy sector, Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity from India.
- The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity is instrumental in connecting major transport projects in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, thereby establishing a comprehensive shipping network.
- India's focus is likely to be on the Matarbari Port, situated approximately 100 km from Tripura, being developed by Bangladesh.
- This port will play a pivotal role in establishing a crucial industrial corridor, connecting Dhaka with the northeastern part of India.
5. Navigating Challenges in the India-Bangladesh Relationship
- Several points of tension mark the diplomatic landscape between India and Bangladesh.
- Foremost among them is the impending Teesta dispute, which holds a central position in the agenda of the Hasina-led government.
- This dispute revolves around the equitable sharing of Teesta's waters, with Bangladesh seeking a fair distribution.
- Another source of contention is the Rohingya issue. The Hasina government aims for the peaceful repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, but talks with the military junta have proven unsuccessful thus far.
- Bangladesh seeks India's cooperation to influence Myanmar, but the Modi government, with ties to the junta, asserts its intention to deport Rohingyas from its mainland.
- Cross-border terrorism and infiltration pose additional threats to internal security. The rise of majoritarian forces adds complexity to the already intricate landscape.
- While violence against Muslims has increased in India in recent years, Prime Minister Hasina has consistently condemned these attacks and expressed dissatisfaction with comments by Indian leaders concerning "illegal" immigrants.
6. Global Influences on the India-Bangladesh Relationship
- The Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina has faced vocal criticism from the U.S., particularly concerning "democratic backsliding."
- In 2021, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on a Bangladeshi anti-crime and anti-terrorism task force, citing human rights violations.
- Tensions escalated further as the U.S. announced a policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis deemed responsible for undermining the election process in the country. This external pressure has implications for the global ties of Bangladesh.
- Adding to India's concerns is the deepening relationship between Bangladesh and China, marked by substantial Chinese investments in infrastructure in recent years.
- According to the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, China has undertaken the construction of 12 highways, 21 bridges, and 27 power and energy projects in Bangladesh.
- However, Prime Minister Hasina has asserted that her government is "very much careful" about its partnership with China.
7. The Way Forward
Despite challenges, the India-Bangladesh relationship boasts strong potential for further growth. Open communication, constructive dialogue, and focus on shared interests are crucial for navigating the complexities and ensuring a prosperous future for both nations.
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For Prelims: India-Bangladesh, Free Trade Agreement, Rohingyas, Teesta River, BIMSTEC, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
For Mains:
1. Assess the role of China's growing influence in Bangladesh and its implications for the India-Bangladesh relationship. How can India navigate this complex geopolitical landscape? (250 Words)
2. Discuss the potential benefits of the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity for India, Bangladesh, and the broader region. What are the key considerations for effective implementation and ensuring equitable benefits? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2018)
1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA
Which of the above are among the free-trade partners' of ASEAN?
A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 B. 3 , 4, 5 and 6 C. 1, 3, 4 and 5 D. 2, 3, 4 and 6
3. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if (UPSC 2018) (a) Industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output. 4. The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the following: (UPSC 2010)
Which of the above are the objectives of this Act? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
5. A “closed economy” is an economy in which (UPSC 2011) (a) the money supply is fully controlled
6. Consider the following pairs:(UPSC 2016)
Community is sometimes mentioned in the news In the affairs of
1. Kurd Bangladesh
2. Madhesi Nepal
3. Rohingya Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 D. 3 only
7. With reference to the BIMSTEC, which of the following statements is/are true? (UPPSC 2022)
1. P. M. Narendra Modi addressed the 5th BIMSTEC Summit on 30th March 2022.
2. 5th Summit of BIMSTEC had been chaired by India.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
A. Neither 1 nor 2
B. Both 1 and 2
C. Only 2
D. Only 1
8. Which of the following statement/s is/are true about the three-day international Seminar on 'Climate Smart Farming System' for BIMSTEC countries held during December 11-13, 2019? (UPPSC 2020)
1. It was held at Katmandu, Nepal.
2. It was aimed to have experience sharing for more resilience to climate change through an ecological approach to enable the improvement of tropical small-holding farming systems.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
9. The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (UPSC 2016)
A. G20 B. ASEAN C. SCO D. SAARC
10. Recently, with which one of the following countries did India sign the 'Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement' ? (UPSC CAPF 2022)
A. Egypt B. Israel C. South Africa D. United Arab Emirates
Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-A, 5- D, 6-C, 7-D, 8-B, 9-B, 10- D
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Source: The Hindu
