After more than half a century of inactivity, freight trains have resumed regular operation on the previously restored Haldibari-Chilahati rail route. This notable development between Bangladesh and India will serve to enhance railway connectivity between the two nations and stimulate bilateral trade. In addition, another rail link – the Agartala-Akhaura – is expected to commence operations by the end of 2021.
Historical Background of Railway Links Between Bangladesh and India
Post Partition in 1947, seven rail links functioned between India and Bangladesh, referred to as East Pakistan at that time. Until 1965, the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was one such functioning route. Currently, five operational rail links exist between Bangladesh and India including Petrapole-Benapole, Gede-Darshana, Singhabad-Rohanpur, Radhikapur-Birol, and Haldibari-Chilahati.
The Significance of the Revived Haldibari-Chilahati Route
The reinstatement of the Haldibari-Chilahati route promises better connectivity from Bangladesh to Assam and West Bengal. This will expand the rail network’s access to primary ports and dry ports, thereby boosting regional trade and supporting the area’s economic and social advancement. The rail link is also anticipated to benefit ordinary people and traders from both countries as it will facilitate both goods and passenger traffic. It is expected to stimulate economic activities, including tourism, in these South Asian countries. Furthermore, it enhances the rest of India’s integration with the Siliguri corridor or the ‘Chicken’s Neck.’ This corridor, which connects India with its North-eastern states, has been experiencing escalating aggressiveness from China, a neighbouring country.
Indo-Bangladesh Historical and Defence Ties
The Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 marked a significant milestone in the Indo-Bangladesh relationship, as India played a vital role in Bangladesh’s formation. The defence cooperation between the countries includes joint exercises such as SAMPRITI (Army), TABLE TOP (Air), IN-BN CORPAT (Navy), Exercise Bongosagar (Navy), and SAMVEDNA (A multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and UAE).
Economic Relations and Border Management
Bangladesh shares the longest land boundary of 4096.7 km with India. Economically, Bangladesh is India’s biggest trading partner in the sub-continent with total bilateral trade at $9.5 billion. In December 2020, further efforts to boost trade included the launch of an India-Bangladesh CEO’s Forum.
Cooperation in Connectivity and Multilateral Partnerships
Connectivity has been strengthened with the inauguration of Maitri Setu – a bridge over the Feni river – connecting Sabroom in India and Ramgarh in Bangladesh. Moreover, they are an active part of multilateral forums like SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA. Other developments include India extending three Lines of Credit (LOC) to Bangladesh for infrastructure development and offering collaboration in Covid-19 vaccine production.
Emerging Disputes and Way Forward
Despite strong ties, some disputes persist. Bangladesh expressed concerns over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and its active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which Delhi hasn’t signed up to. To further solidify ties, there should be continued efforts to address issues like water sharing, border incidents, and continental shelf issues in the Bay of Bengal. Encouraging exchanges between young entrepreneurs and civil society and implementing a security paradigm at shared borders could cement the relationship further.