INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: As Bangladesh's Prime Minister landed in Delhi, jubilant crowds filled the streets of Dhaka and roamed the Prime Minister's residence, while the army announced it was taking control of the country.

India-Bangladesh Relation

• Historical Ties: The foundation of India’s relationship with Bangladesh was established during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where India provided essential military and material support for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan.
• Geopolitics: Bangladesh is India's most strategic neighbour from the perspective of India's Northeast. India's "Act East Policy" can only be realized with the support of Dhaka.
• Security and Border Management: India's relationship with Bangladesh is also linked to its relationship with China, as India seeks to prevent Bangladesh from becoming part of China's strategic encirclement.
• Economic Cooperation: Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown significantly, reaching USD 18 billion in 2021-2022 from USD 10.8 billion in 2020-2021.

oBangladesh has become India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, while India is Bangladesh’s second biggest trade partner with exports totaling USD 2 billion.

oA joint feasibility study for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was completed in 2022, addressing the impact of Bangladesh losing its LDC status post-2026.

• Defence Cooperation: India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km border, the longest land boundary India has with any neighbor, including Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

oJoint Military Exercises: The two nations conduct joint military exercises such as Army Exercise Sampriti and Navy Exercise Bongo Sagar to enhance defense collaboration.

• Energy: Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from India, underscoring their energy cooperation.

oIn 2018, a memorandum was signed with Russia and Bangladesh for the Rooppur Nuclear power plant project, marking Bangladesh’s entry into nuclear energy.

• Infrastructure: Inaugurated in 2023, this rail link connects Bangladesh with India’s northeast and grants access to Chattogram and Mongla ports, benefiting trade and development.