Bangladesh and India share crucial geographical features that significantly influence their bilateral relations. The two countries are located in South Asia, with India enveloping Bangladesh on three sides and the Bay of Bengal to its south. Their shared border is the fifth-longest land boundary globally, facilitating ongoing interactions in numerous aspects.
An overview of Trends in India-Bangladesh Relations
Both nations have maintained warm relations since 1971 when Bangladesh gained independence with support from India. Today, their relationship is complex, shaped by history, geography, and economics, marked by cooperation and occasional disputes.
The Economic Significance of Bangladesh for India
Bangladesh carries substantial economic significance for India. Emerging as India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, bilateral trade between these countries recently grew from USD 9.69 billion to USD 16.15 billion despite pandemic-induced disruptions. Bangladesh is also India’s fourth largest export destination worldwide. Raw cotton, non-retail pure cotton yarn, and electricity are major exports from India.
Trends in Agreements signed between India and Bangladesh
Numerous agreements between both nations mark their ongoing cooperation. The two countries have recently signed seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on sharing river waters, space technology, information technology in railways, and science and technology cooperation. These agreements showcase meaningful collaboration between the neighboring nations, intending to mutually benefit their economies, technologies, and infrastructures.
The Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations
Certain challenges persist in the relations between India and Bangladesh. Issues such as water-sharing disputes and border incidents need to be addressed for smoother ties. The pending agreement on Teesta River water sharing since 2011 and Bangladesh’s concerns over India’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) rollout in Assam are critical points of contention.
Recent Developments: Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Visit to India
In a recent development, the Bangladesh Prime Minister visited India, signing seven MoUs with the Indian Prime Minister. These agreements span diverse areas, including river water withdrawal, collaboration on railways, space and technology cooperation, and personnel training.
Key Highlights of Recent Meetings between India and Bangladesh
The recent meetings between the two countries have resulted in several key breakthroughs. They agreed on a significant Thermal Power Project and the construction of a crucial railway bridge, both set to revolutionize regional connectivity and energy availability. Moreover, India provided loans worth USD 9.5 billion for various development projects.
India’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Vision with Bangladesh
The Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh have expressed interest in a Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The CEPA aims to narrow the trade gap by focusing on goods, services, and investments. As Bangladesh prepares to become a developing nation by 2026, it is keen on finalizing the CEPA within a year.
India’s Role in the Emergence and Development of Bangladesh
India played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s emergence as an independent nation during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Since then, India has provided support and extended assistance to Bangladesh for various developmental needs. This aid took the form of various funding agreements and understandings on defense procurements, military inventories, and more.
The Significance of Defense Procurement between India and Bangladesh
Defense procurement forms a vital part of bilateral relations between both nations. In 2018, India extended a USD 500 million defense Line of Credit to Bangladesh. The procurement of military platforms, systems, and warships exemplifies increased defense cooperation.
In summary, the India-Bangladesh relationship has seen various stages of development, cooperation, and challenges. Both countries have made significant strides in strengthening their relations, but several obstacles need addressing for further progress.
