India and Bangladesh share deep bonds rooted in history, language, culture, and various commonalities. Their partnership has evolved as a model for bilateral relations, marked by sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding, and extends far beyond a strategic alliance.
Historical Ties
- India played a pivotal role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War by providing crucial military and material support.
- Bilateral relations strained in the mid-1970s due to military regimes in Bangladesh, which fuelled anti-India sentiment over issues like boundary disputes and water-sharing disputes.
- A positive shift occurred in 1996 when Sheikh Hasina came to power, leading to strengthened ties with the signing of the Ganga Waters Treaty.
- Over the years, the partnership has grown, encompassing key areas such as trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defence.
Key Highlights
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Aspect
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Details
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Economic Cooperation
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- Bilateral trade grew to USD 18 billion in 2021-22 from USD 10.8 billion in 2020-21.
- Bangladesh: Largest trade partner in South Asia, with USD 2 billion exports to India and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
- In 2022, both nations concluded a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- India-Bangladesh Border Haats are informal trade markets along the border that enable cross-border trade, fostering economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.
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Infrastructure
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- Lines of Credit: India extended over USD 7 billion since 2010.
- Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link (2023) boosts Northeast India’s development.
- Access to Chattogram and Mongla ports for Indian cargo.
- BIMSTEC Master Plan focuses on connecting India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.
- Development of Matarbari Port to create an industrial corridor.
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Connectivity
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- Rail Connectivity: Operational trains: Maitri Express (2008), Bandhan Express (2017), Mitali Express (2022).
- Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link (2023): First cross-border rail connection to Northeast India.
- Bus Services: Five routes operational (Kolkata, Agartala, Guwahati to Dhaka, extended to Khulna).
- Inland Waterways: PIWTT (since 1972) facilitates inter-country trade and transit. Cruise services also operational.
- Ports: Agreement operationalized in 2023 for use of Chittagong and Mongla Ports. Reduces cost and transit time for Northeast cargo movement.
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Defence Cooperation
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- Shared 4,096.7 km border, India's longest land boundary.
- States bordering Bangladesh: Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura.
- Joint exercises: Exercise Sampriti (Army) and Exercise Bongo Sagar (Navy).
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Regional Connectivity
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- Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit PIWTT (since 1972): Facilitates goods movement on 8 routes.
- Overland transit and inland waterways improve Northeast connectivity.
- Strategic role in securing sea lanes and containing piracy.
- Bridge to Southeast Asia through BIMSTEC and BBIN.
- Bangladesh seen as key to Bay of Bengal regional cooperation.
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Power and Energy
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- Bangladesh imports 1160 MW of electricity from India.
- Maître Super Thermal Power Plant supplying electricity to Bangladesh grid.
- Joint Working Group (JWG) and Joint Steering Committee (JSC) promote cross-border electricity trade.
- India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline for high-speed diesel inaugurated in March 2023.
- ONGC Videsh Limited and Oil India Limited involved in offshore oil exploration.
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Cultural Cooperation
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- Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka play a key role in celebrating cultural links.
- Bangladesh Youth Delegation 2022 campaign to attract the best of Bangladeshi talent, from various disciplines, to visit India as part of the delegation,
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Way Forward
To resolve increasing tensions between India and Bangladesh, both countries should focus on strengthening diplomatic dialogue, particularly on contentious issues like water-sharing and border management. Enhancing people-to-people ties through cultural and educational exchanges can build trust. Increased cooperation on regional security, especially counter-terrorism and border control, is essential.
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