The recent 14th Joint Group of Customs meeting between India and Bangladesh, held in New Delhi, was a crucial stepping stone in developing the relationship between these two countries. The JGC meetings serve as a critical platform for fostering collaboration on customs-related matters and enhancing the facilitation of cross-border trade.
Key Outcomes of the 14th JGC Meeting
Several key points were discussed in this meeting. Among them were the expansion of Land Customs Stations, easing of port restrictions, and the establishment of electronic connectivity of transit modules. Additionally, a bilateral agreement on customs cooperation was considered to provide a structure for future collaborations.
Major Areas of Cooperation Between India and Bangladesh
India, being the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state in December 1971, shares strong civilizational, cultural, social, and economic links with Bangladesh. Their strategic geographical location makes it an essential route for India’s trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Economic Cooperation
Bangladesh is India’s biggest trading partner on the subcontinent, with trade reaching USD 8 billion from April to November 2022. As a result, both countries have fostered smooth cargo transport between them. Furthermore, they launched a trade transaction in rupees in July 2023, reducing their dependence on the US dollar.
Defence Cooperation
India and Bangladesh share the longest land boundary that India has with any of its neighbors, along with joint military exercises, reinforcing their defense bond.
Energy and Connectivity
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is set to transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh. They are also cooperating on developing cross-border infrastructure projects.
Multilateral Cooperation
Their regional cooperation extends to multilateral forums like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Existing Major Issues Between India and Bangladesh
Despite the cooperation, a couple of major issues persist between these two countries. These include river water sharing disagreements, illegal migration, drug smuggling & trafficking, and China’s growing influence in Bangladesh.
Possible Solutions
In order to address these issues, there is a need for joint task forces, smart border management, and the establishment of a digital connectivity corridor between the countries. These measures could pave the way for better cross-border control, increased security, and new avenues for trade and collaboration.
