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Kerala Assembly unanimously requested the Union Government to take immediate steps under Article 3 of the Constitution to change the name of the state to Keralam.

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, called for invoking Article 3 of the Indian Constitution to effectuate this change in the First Schedule.

Why Keralam?

• Kerala is the English word for the Malyali Keralam. 

• Historical Context:  The earliest mention of the word can be found in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II, dated to 257 BCE. 
• The edict reads: “Everywhere in the dominions of King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the gods, as well as those of his frontier sovereigns, such as the Chodas [Cholas], Pandyas, Satiyaputra, Ketalaputra [Keralaputra]…” 
• Keralaputra, literally “son of Kerala” in Sanskrit, refers to the dynasty of the Cheras, one of the three main kingdoms of southern India. 

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Historical Context

• Demand for a Unified State: Aikya Kerala Movement in the 1920s, the Aikya Kerala movement gained momentum, advocating for a unified state for Malayalam-speaking people. 
  • It aimed to integrate Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore into a single territory.
• Formation of Modern Kerala:  In 1949, Travancore and Kochi merged, forming the Travancore-Cochin State.
• State Reorganisation Commission: It recommended the creation of Kerala as a state for Malayalam-speaking people. 
• Birth of Kerala: On November 1, 1956, the state of Kerala was officially formed, referred to as “Keralam” in Malayalam and “Kerala” in English.

Procedure for Renaming a State

• Process of renaming a state: It can be initiated by either the Parliament or the state assembly.
• State Government’s Proposal: The proposal to rename a state originates from the state government. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs reviews the proposal and seeks No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various agencies.
• Centre’s Approval: Unlike renaming cities, renaming a state requires approval from the Centre’s Ministry of Home Affairs. 
  • A Constitutional amendment is necessary for this change (under Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution).

• Views or suggestions of the State Legislature: These are not binding to the President or The Parliament. 
  • After receiving the suggestions of the State Legislative Assembly or after the expiration of the limited time period the bill goes back to Parliament. 
  • Then the bill gets further deliberated upon in Parliament.
• Majority: The bill, like any ordinary bill, must be passed with a simple majority.
• Parliamentary Approval: If accepted, the proposal is introduced as a Bill in the Parliament. 
  • In Parliament, the bill cannot be presented without a recommendation from the President.
  • Upon becoming law, the state’s name was officially changed.

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A five-member Pakistani delegation came to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) headquarters in  Jammu’s Kishtwar to inspect power projects set up on the rivers covered under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960. 

• It is the first such visit since Jammu & Kashmir’s special status was scrapped in 2019.

More On News

• Pakistan and neutral experts from the World Bank to inspect two hydroelectric power projects under the IWT
  1. 850 megawatts (MW) Rattle hydroelectric power project site at Drabshalla 
  2. 1,000 MW Pakal Dul project on river Marusudar 
• Both these projects are over a tributary of the Chenab river

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Dispute Resolution Mechanism Under Indus Water Treaty  

• Article 9 of the treaty: It outlines a dispute resolution process, breaking it down into three categories: question, differences and disputes.
  • Step 1: Under it,  “questions” raised by both sides can be resolved at the Permanent Commission, or can also be taken up at the inter-government level. 

• • Step 2: In case of unresolved questions or “differences” between the countries on water-sharing, such as technical differences, either side can approach the World Bank to appoint a Neutral Expert (NE) to come to a decision. 
  • Step 3: And eventually, if either party is not satisfied with the NE’s decision or in case of “disputes” in the interpretation and extent of the treaty, matters can be referred to a Court of Arbitration.

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About Indus Water Treaty

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan in 1960.

• The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation between India-Pakistan over the Indus System of Rivers.
• The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

Salient Provisions of The Indus Water Treaty

• Water Allocation: 
• • The three ‘western rivers’ (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) went to Pakistan and the three ‘eastern rivers’ (Sutlej, Ravi and Beas) were portioned to India.
  • However, India is permitted to use the waters of the Western Rivers for:  Domestic Use,  Non-consumptive use,  Agricultural use as specified, Generation of hydro-electric power. 
• Establishment of Permanent Indus Commission: It established a Permanent Indus Commission which served as a forum for exchange of information on the rivers, for continued cooperation and as a first stop for resolution of conflicts.
• India’s Storage Right Over Western Rivers: India is allowed to have a minimum storage level on the western rivers – meaning it can store up to 3.75 MAF of water for conservation and flood storage purposes.
• Exit Provision: IWT does not have a unilateral exit provision and is supposed to remain in force unless both countries ratify another mutually agreed pact.
• A transition period of 10 years was permitted in which India was bound to supply water to Pakistan from Eastern Rivers.
  • During this period Pakistan was required to build the necessary canal system for the utilisation of the waters of Jhelum, Chenab and the Indus itself, as allocated to it under the Treaty.

Challenges

• Growing Demand of Water: As per observers, the Indus Water Treaty,  became a source of dissatisfaction between the two countries with growing demand for water.
• River Basin lies in the Conflicted Region: The western rivers flow through the conflicted region of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Terrorism:  In the aftermath of the attack on J&K’s Uri army camp in 2016, the Indian Prime Minister had said, “Blood and water cannot flow simultaneously”.
• Global Warming: Impact of global warming is impacting availability of water and that is making the ‘Rights versus Needs’ debate shriller. Regional climate change is reducing the flow in the rivers located in the IRB4.
• Credibility crisis for India upon Abrogation of IWT:  The unilateral abrogation of the IWT will definitely have a bearing on the credibility and as such on future negotiations

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Way Forward

• Dialogue and Cooperation: India and Pakistan should engage in regular communication and exchanges of information can help build trust and resolve issues amicably.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Both countries should utilise the existing dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the treaty, such as the Permanent Indus Commission.
• Technical Expertise: Utilising the expertise of water management professionals and experts can aid in effectively managing the shared water resources. 
• Environmental Considerations: Both India and Pakistan should consider sustainable water management practices, including the conservation and restoration of river ecosystems.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Implementing confidence-building measures  such as joint initiatives, information-sharing, and visits between water management officials to promote transparency and collaboration.

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The Vadhavan port, recently cleared by the Cabinet, will be India’s first mega port.

Objective of Vadhavan port

• It aims to significantly enhance the country’s sea-based trade.

About Vadhavan Port

• Vadhavan Port Location: Vadhavan, Palghar district, Maharashtra
• Coast: Arabian Sea
• Operated by: Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
• This port initiative aligns with the PM Gati Shakti program
• Greenfield Project: The port will be built as a greenfield project.
  • It allows for modern infrastructure and technology integration from the ground up.
• Public-Private Partnership: The project will leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) for core infrastructure, terminals, and commercial development, potentially bringing in expertise and efficiency.

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Significance of the Vadhavan Port Project for Indian Economy

The Indian government’s approval of the Vadhavan Port Project represents a major development for the country’s maritime infrastructure. 

• Increased Capacity and Efficiency:
• • Mega Port Status: Vadhavan will be India’s first mega port, capable of handling massive cargo volumes and accommodating the largest vessels like Capesize ships. 
    • It will have a total capacity of 298 million metric tonnes (MMT) per year, including about 23.2 million TEU of container handling capability.
  • Reduced Congestion: The new port will significantly alleviate pressure on existing ports, particularly the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), which currently handles a large share of India’s containerized cargo traffic.
• Strategic Location and Connectivity:
• • Gateway to International Corridors: Vadhavan’s location positions it as a crucial link for the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC).
    • It  facilitates smoother trade flow and improves trade efficiency. 
• Economic Growth and Job Creation:
• • Boost to EXIM Trade: The increased capacity and strategic location are expected to significantly benefit India’s import and export trade.
  • Employment Opportunities: The project is estimated to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 12,000 people.

Industry Scenario, Port Sector

Overview of Indian Ports

• Total Ports: 12 major and 200 non-major/intermediate ports
  • Major Ports: Under central government
  • Non-Major Ports: Under state government administration
• Leading Ports in India
  • Largest Major Port: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
  • Largest Private Port: Mundra Port
  • Significant Milestone: JNPT becomes the first 100% Landlord Major Port

Challenges Faced by the Indian Port Sector

• Outdated Infrastructure: Many ports lack modern equipment and the water depth (draft) is insufficient to handle the largest ships. This limits efficiency and capacity.
• Limited Space for Expansion: Existing ports are crowded, making it difficult to increase capacity to meet growing trade demands.
• Poor Logistics Network:  Inadequate roads and railways connecting ports to inland areas create delays and bottlenecks.
• Red Tape and Delays: Lengthy customs procedures and bureaucratic hurdles slow down cargo movement and increase turnaround times.
• Lack of Automation: Many ports rely on manual processes, hindering efficiency and accuracy.
• Environmental Concerns:  Balancing port development with environmental protection can be challenging, leading to project delays due to impact assessments.

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Chandrababu Naidu’s return as Andhra Pradesh CM brings the spotlight back on Amaravati, one of the most important sites of Buddhism in South Asia.

Amaravathi and the Making of Andhra Buddhism

• Buddhism in the Andhra Region: Buddhism emerged in the fifth century BCE in the ancient kingdom of Magadh, located in the eastern Ganges plain of Southern Bihar. It appears to have reached the Andhra region in the Krishna River Valley fairly early on, mainly through trade. 
  • The real impetus to Andhra Buddhism though, came in the 3rd century BCE when the emperor Ashoka set up an inscription in the region. 
• Thrive: Buddhism had thrived in the region for almost six centuries till about the 3rd century CE. Although, in isolated sites such as Amaravathi, Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayapeta, Salihundam and Sankaram, the religion seems to have lingered on till as late as the 14th century CE.
• Significance of Amaravathi: It was the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism. 
  • Acharya Nagarjuna who propounded the Madhyamika philosophy which is the basis of Mahayana Buddhism, lived in Amaravathi for a long time, and his teachings brought about a significant shift in the practice of Buddhism. 
  • From Amaravathi, Mahayana Buddhism spread across South Asia, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Before the cultural revolution in China in 1969, Mahayana Buddhism was the largest faith in the world.

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Distinctive Features of Buddhism developed in Andhra Region

• Important Patrons: In North India, there are so many legends about Buddha talking to king Bimbisara or Ajatashatru, in contrast, Andhra don’t have a lot of legends about royal patronage. Merchants were important patrons of the Amaravathi Stupa.
  • At Amaravathi, patrons came from a broad cross-section of society, especially traders, craftsmen and wandering monks who were involved in accepting and spreading Buddhism.
• Easy Absorption of Local Practices into the Buddhist Doctrines: The whole concept of the Buddhist stupa here seems to have been a natural transition from the existing practice of venerating the dead in megalithic burials. 
  • • Megaliths were massive stones set up over pits in which the dead were buried, and are said to have been predecessors of the Buddhist stupas which were commemorative monuments housing the relics of Buddhist monks. 
  • Other local forms of religious expression popular in the Andhra region such as Goddess and Naga (snake) worship were also incorporated into the Buddhist corpus.
• Aesthetic Sculptures: The largest quantity of highly aesthetic sculpture which encased the drum of the stupa and their sheer scale is quite unparalleled.
  • They were sculpted on a special kind of limestone called Palnad marble, which allowed very fine and intricate carvings.
• No External Influence: There is yet no evidence that there was any external influence on the art at Amaravathi, unlike Mathura and Gandhara where there was a lot of Graeco-Roman influence.
• Material Used: White marble
• Carving of Sculpture: In a naturalistic manner. 
  • Example: Taming of an elephant by the Buddha.
• Reflects: Narratives theme based on life of Buddha and Jataka stories
• Depiction: Buddha is depicted both in human as well as in animal form
  • Both religious and secular images were present.
• Elegant and Sophisticated: The sculptured panels of Amaravati are characterised by delicacy of forms and linear grace. Numerous scenes of dance and music adorn these reliefs.

The Amaravathi School of Art and its Influence

• It is regarded as one of the three most important styles of ancient Indian art along with Mathura and Gandhara.
• Amaravathi stupa is popularly known to be the “jewel in the crown of early Indian art”.
• Made Influence on World: It went on to influence Buddhist artistic productions in several other parts of India, such as the Ajanta caves, as well as other parts of South and Southeast Asia. 

The Decline of Amaravathi, and Buddhism, in Andhra Region

• Rise of Shaivism: Chinese travelers who came to Andhra in the seventh century CE found that the stupas were on a decline but the Shiva temples were thriving, and receiving patronage from aristocrats and royals.
• Socio-economic Conditions: The appeal of Buddhism among traders lay in its emphasis on a casteless society, which meant fewer barriers to conducting commerce. The religion underwent a decline six centuries later with the economic degradation of the region.
• Colonial Interest in the Monument: Following Mackenzie’s survey, a considerable number of sculptures were removed from the site and sent to places like Masulipatam, Calcutta, London, and Madras.
• No Priority for Conservation: In the early 19th century when Amaravathi was first surveyed, the conservation of ancient monuments was hardly a priority among government circles. 
  • Indeed, the local people had regarded the old stupa as convenient sources of building materials, while British officials also used them for construction of canals and roads.
  • The British made the first landscape drawings of the Amaravathi Heritage Town, but never excavated Amaravathi Stupa in a systematic way.
• Lack of Consciousness: Lack of consciousness among Indians, especially Andhra people about their own heritage is equally responsible for the decline of the “largest Buddhist stupa in South Asia.”
• Scattered Across the World: Today the sculptures from the Amaravathi stupa and other sites in Andhra are scattered across the world. 
  • While the British Museum has one of the largest collections, they can also be found in Chicago, Paris, New York, Chennai and New Delhi among others.
    • In recent years Australia remains to be the only country to have returned a stolen Amaravathi style sculpture from Chandavaram. 
    • Australia returned the sculpture because of their own policies on provenance research and repatriation.

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Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed the third Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment (LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Isro successfully conducts Reusable Launch Vehicle technology demonstration

• The experiment successfully showcased autonomous landing capabilities under more demanding conditions.
• Pushpak conducted cross-range correction maneuvers and executed a precise horizontal landing at the centerline of the runway. 
• The mission simulated high-speed landing scenarios typical of vehicles returning from space. Advanced guidance algorithms were validated for error corrections, crucial for future orbital re-entry missions.

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Pushpak Viman

• About: Pushpak RLV is designed as a fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, utilizing advanced technology derived from earlier prototypes such as the X-33, X-34, and the upgraded DC-XA.
• Landing Conditions Simulation: During the mission, RLV simulated high-speed landing conditions and approaches used when returning from space.
• Advanced Landing Experiments: ISRO’s second series of RLV landing experiments showcased autonomous landing capability and performed challenging maneuvers with precision.
• ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Initiative: This mission is a continuation of ISRO’s endeavors to develop critical technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle (RLV), aimed at achieving cost-effective access to space.
• Past RLV Missions: ISRO had previously conducted successful RLV missions in 2016.
  • The experiment involved launching a winged spacecraft into space using a rocket powered by ISRO’s conventional solid booster engine (HS9).

Reusable Launch Vehicle

• About: An RLV is a spacecraft designed for multiple launches into space, significantly reducing costs by enabling reuse. The concept aims to recover costly rocket boosters used in spacecraft launches, potentially refueling and reusing them for future space missions.
• Operational Aspects by ISRO: These launch vehicles feature added safeguards like heat shields, grid fins, and other flight control surfaces. 
  • They are heavier than their expendable counterparts due to extra avionics and propellant. The design of the spaceplane is also tailored to facilitate recovery.
• Advantages: RLV is perceived as a cost-effective, dependable, and readily available means of accessing space.
• Challenges: The selection and crafting of materials such as special alloys, composites, and insulation materials are highly intricate and require skilled manpower.
• Two-Stage RLV Concept: ISRO’s RLV features a two-stage propulsion system to achieve orbit. After the first stage exhausts its fuel, it is jettisoned, allowing the vehicle to continue using the second stage. 
  • The separated first stage autonomously re-enters the atmosphere and lands at a predetermined location. Following maintenance, it is ready for reuse.

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Recently, A Paper published in the American Political Science Review titled ‘Representation and Forest Conservation: Evidence from India’s Scheduled Areas’. 

• The authors adopt what they call a “difference-in-differences’ framework that enables to isolate the causal effect of ST-mandated representation on forest outcomes

• The paper offers comparable data sets of local self-governance and forest cover that differ in geography and over time: 
  • For villages with local self-government in Scheduled Areas (with mandated ST representation)
  • For villages with local self-government without mandated ST representation
  • Villages which adopted PESA earlier, and those that did so later. 
• Findings were based on  “remote-sensing microdata that have recen tly become 
• available from satellitesSuch as LANDSAT, Sentinel, and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP).” 
• They use two such datasets MEaSURES Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) & Global Forest Cover (GFC) dataset for 2001-17

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What is the background of PESA?

• Need For Local Self-Governance: The 73rd constitutional amendment was made in 1992 to promote local self-governance in rural India.
  • 73rd constitutional amendment formalized local self-government through the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) in the non-Scheduled Areas 
  • But It did so without “mandated representation for STs”
  • PESA ook it a step further:  It introduced an electoral quota that requires all chairperson positions, as well as at least half the seats on each local government councils to be reserved for ST individuals.
• Bhuria Committee:
• • The government appointed a committee headed by Mr. Dileep Singh Bhuria to work out the details as to how structures similar to Panchayati Raj Institutions can take shape in Tribal Areas and Scheduled Areas and define their powers.
  • The Bhuria Committee submitted its report in January 1995.

What Is PESA?

• Enacted On: PESA was enacted on 24 December 1996 to extend the provisions of Part 9 of the Constitution to Schedule Areas, with certain exceptions and modifications.
• Self-Governance Through Gram Sabha: The PESA Act was enacted to ensure self-governance through Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) for people living in the Scheduled Areas.
• Rights of Tribal Communities: The PESA Act recognizes the rights of tribal communities that are residents of tribal communities and also acknowledges their traditional rights over natural resources.
• States Under the Act: Ten states have notified Fifth Schedule areas that cover (partially or fully) several districts in each of these states.
  • These states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana.

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Significance of The PESA Act

• Empowered Gram Sabhas: They play a key role in approving development plans and controlling all major developments in the social sectors.
• Tribal Integration: Decentralised governance helps reduce tribal people’s grievances and builds trust in integration with the mainstream.
• Protect Ecosystem: PESA empowers tribes through Gram Sabhas to preserve their connection with the ecosystem. 
  • For example, in 2013, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Odisha Government to seek gram sabha permission for bauxite mining in Kalahandi and Rayagada district of Odisha, leading to the cancellation of mining on Niyamgiri hills.
• Safeguard tribal interests and rights: The control over institutions and functionaries help in protecting their traditional culture, religion and identity as well as the rights provided by the Constitution.

Limitations Of The PESA Act

• States Not Even Framed the Rules: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha have not even framed the rules yet.
• Use of unfair means for bypassing the law: Acquisition of land happens under other acts, violating the spirit behind PESA, i.e. safeguard tribal land and consent of gram sabhas.
  • In the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, the authorities decided to acquire land using the Coal Bearing Act of 1957.
• Poor Implementation of law: A 2010 study on “Status of PESA” in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Orissa by Indian Institute of Public Administration highlighted poor implementation of the Act. E.g., In Khunti district of Jharkhand, 65% of people whose land was acquired were not even asked about it. 
• Lack of Clarity, Legal infirmity, bureaucratic apathy and lack of political will are some of the concerns.

Way Forward To The PESA Act 

• Implement Municipal Extension to Scheduled Areas (MESA) as per the Bhuria Committee recommendations.
• Capacity Building: Equipping Gram Sabhas with training and resources, adequate responsibilities to levy and collect taxes, fees, duties, or tolls.
• New Tribal Development Community Model: for tribal development.
• Convergence of PESA with other regulations: Like Forests Rights Act (2006), Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition etc. 

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Recently, India and Bangladesh agreed to enhance cooperation in new areas and signed multiple agreements. This includes strengthening ties in maritime affairs and the blue economy.

• The pacts were finalised during talks between the Indian Prime Minister and his visiting Bangladeshi counterpart. 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina arrives on two-day State visit to India

• Recently, the Bangladesh Prime Minister was on a two-day visit to India. 
• It is the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader after the formation of the new government in India following the Lok Sabha elections.
• The Bangladesh Prime Minister was among the seven top leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean Region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers.

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Crucial Insights on the Recently Signed Pact between India and Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh have embarked on a new chapter of bilateral relations by focusing on following key areas:

• Initiating Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Talks: 
  • This agreement aims to enhance economic interactions, streamline trade processes, and promote investment between the two countries. 
  • CEPA is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, fostering closer economic integration and cooperation.
• Maritime Cooperation and the Blue Economy: 
  • This pact aims to sustainably harness marine resources, improve maritime connectivity, and promote economic growth through the blue economy initiatives. 
  • This collaboration is crucial for the sustainable development of both nations, leveraging their maritime capabilities.
• Enhancing Defense and Security Collaboration:
  • Both nations agreed to enhance defense collaboration, focusing on defense production and the modernization of their armed forces. 
  • India welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, which aligns with India’s strategic vision for regional security and stability.
    • Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) seeks to ensure security and stability of the regional maritime domain.
• Advancing Digital and Green Partnerships:
  • Enhanced cooperation in digital infrastructure and technology is set to bolster the tech ecosystems of both countries, while the green partnership agreement aims to promote sustainable development practices, focusing on renewable energy and environmental conservation. 
• Improving Railway Connectivity:
  • Agreements signed to improve cross-border railway links. 
  • These enhancements are expected to facilitate smoother transit of goods and passengers, stimulating economic activities in the region. 
    • The recent operationalization of the sixth rail link between Jakhoda and Agartala serves as a testament to this progress.
• Healthcare Initiatives and E-Medical Visas:
  • India announced the launch of an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India. 
  • Also, India plans to open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to provide enhanced consular services and strengthen people-to-people ties.
• Hydrological Cooperation on Shared Rivers:
  • Both countries agreed to commence technical-level discussions for the renewal of the Ganga River treaty. 
  • A technical team will visit Bangladesh to review the protection and management of the Teesta River. 
  • This cooperation reflects the commitment to managing shared water resources effectively and addressing common hydrological challenges.

About India-Bangladesh Relations

India and Bangladesh share deep-rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities. The outstanding nature of bilateral ties is reflected in an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding. 

• Historical Ties: The foundation of India-Bangladesh Relations was laid in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. India provided critical military and material support to assist Bangladesh in its fight for independence from Pakistan. 
  • • This became a primary factor in shaping the newly independent nation’s policy, as acknowledged by ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: “Friendship with India is a cornerstone of the foreign policy of Bangladesh.”
  • In the mid-1970s, there was a rise in anti-India sentiment over issues ranging from boundary disputes and insurgency to the sharing of water.
  • Bilateral relations have evolved positively under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership since 1996 and scripted a new chapter in bilateral ties with a treaty on the sharing of Ganga Waters.
    • Since then, India and Bangladesh have built cooperation in Trade, Energy, Infrastructure, Connectivity and Defence.
• Economic and Commercial Ties: Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia. 
  • In FY 2023-24, the total bilateral trade has been reported as USD 14.01 billion. 
  • New areas of commercial cooperation such as cooperation in the Startup Sector have emerged over the years. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Startup Bridge in March 2021. 
    • The first Start Up delegation from Bangladesh visited India in May 2023 which was followed by a reciprocal visit from India to Bangladesh in July 2023 to the first Bangladesh Startup Summit, 2023.
  • In 2022, both nations concluded a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). 
    • The CEPA aims to enhance economic interactions, streamline trade processes, and promote investment between the two countries. CEPA is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, fostering closer economic integration and cooperation.
• Development Partnership: Bangladesh is the largest development partner of India today. India has extended 3 Lines of Credit (LOC) to Bangladesh in the last 8 years amounting to around US$ 8 billion for development of infrastructure in various sectors including roads, railways, shipping and ports. 
  • Also, India has been providing grant assistance to Bangladesh for various infrastructure projects including, construction of Akhaura-Agartala rail link, dredging of inland waterways in Bangladesh and construction of India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.
  • High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) constitute an active pillar of India’s development assistance. 
  • India has been providing training to Bangladesh Civil Service officials, police officials, judicial officials and judges, professionals, among others, at various premier training institutes in India. 
• Connectivity: 
  • Railway Connectivity: Efforts for greater connectivity to forge enduring people-centric partnership have resulted in rehabilitation of 6 pre-1965 rail links. 
    • Operational Rail Links between India and Bangladesh:
      • Agartala (India)- Akhaura (Bangladesh)
      • Haldibari (India)-Chilahati (Bangladesh)
      • Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh)
      • Gede (India)–Darshana (Bangladesh)
      • Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh)
      • Radhikapur (India)–Birol (Bangladesh)
    • Operating Railway Trains:
      • Maitri Express (since 2008, connecting Kolkata and Dhaka)
      • Bandhan Express (since 2017, connecting Kolkata and Khulna)
      • Mitali Express (since June 2022, between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka)
  • Road and Inland Water Connectivity: Currently, five bus services routes are operational between India and Bangladesh. 
    • India and Bangladesh have a Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT) that has been operational since 1972, for facilitating trade and transit. 
    • PIWTT permits movement of goods for inter-country trade as well as transit over barges/vessels through the river systems of India and Bangladesh. Cruise services between both countries through usage of PIWTT routes have also been operational.
  • Port Connectivity: Both countries have operationalized the Agreement for the usage of Chittagong and Mongla Ports in 2023. 
    • This will allow India to avail the services of these ports in Bangladesh for transit cargo between Northeast and mainland India. 
    • This will significantly reduce the cost and time of transportation. 
• Power and Energy: Cooperation in the power and energy sector has become one of the crucial pillars of India- Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh is currently importing 1160 MW of power from India. 
  • The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant has been made operational in supplying electricity to the Bangladesh grid.
  • The Joint Working Group (JWG)/Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Power provides an institutional framework to promote bilateral cooperation. 
  • India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline between both countries for carriage of High Speed Diesel from India into Bangladesh was inaugurated in March 2023. 
  • Further, ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), in a consortium with Oil India Limited, is present in off-shore oil exploration. IOCL has also been registered as a G2G supplier in 2023. 
  • In 2018, Russia, Bangladesh and India signed a memorandum of cooperation in the implementation of the Rooppur Nuclear power plant project, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power reactor.
• Cultural Cooperation: The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka both play an important role in celebration of common cultural links between the two countries. 
  • Its training programs including Yoga, Kathak, Manipuri dance, Hindi language, Hindustani classical music and the cultural programs of renowned artists of India and Bangladesh contribute in promotion of people-to-people contacts.
  • India launched a revamped version of the Bangladesh Youth Delegation 2022 campaign to attract the best of Bangladeshi talent in June 2022 as an important youth connect initiative. 
  • A 100-member delegation visited India in February 2024, wherein they toured prominent sites of academic/cultural interest in New Delhi and other Indian cities.
• Defence Cooperation: In the defence sector, significant bilateral exchanges took place in 2023-2024 with incoming and outgoing visits of the Chiefs of the Indian and Bangladesh Armed Forces. 
  • The 5th Annual Defence Dialogue and 4th Tri-Services Talks were held in August 2023 in Dhaka to comprehensively review ongoing defence cooperation. 
  • Joint military exercises between India and Bangladesh are Exercise Sampriti (Army), Exercise Bongo Sagar(Navy).
• Security and Border Management: There is active cooperation between various agencies of both countries working together to cooperate on police matters, anti-corruption activities and combat the issues of illicit drug trafficking, fake currency, human trafficking, among others. 
  • Peaceful and cooperative management mechanisms for the security of the 4,096 kms long international border areactively focused on border fencing, joint inspection of boundary pillars, joint boundary demarcation, including riverine boundaries, among others. 
  • Other bilateral mechanisms such as the DG Level talks between Border Guarding Forces, DG Level talks between nodal Drugs Control Agencies, among other tracks are held regularly to discuss, exchange information and engage in better coordination.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both engage in various multilateral fora such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and  Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
  • Also, as per India Tourism Statistics Report 2022, Bangladesh has been the second-largest tourist-generating market for India in the year 2021.

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Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations

Despite sharing relations on multiple fronts, India-Bangladesh are facing following challenges that need to be resolved as soon as possible.

• China Factor: Bangladesh aligns strategically with China with its investments in BRI-financed infrastructure projects having surpassed $10 billion. China has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the second-highest in a South Asian country after Pakistan. 
  • It has played a significant role in building bridges, roads, railway tracks, airports, and power plants in Bangladesh. Importantly, a broad array of products from Bangladesh enjoys zero tariffs in China.
  • In addition, China has emerged as an important military ally of Bangladesh. China-Bangladesh first-ever joint military exercises, ‘China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024′, takes the UN peacekeeping force counter-terrorism operations.
• Sanction by US: The United States has openly expressed its dissatisfaction with the ‘undemocratic’ procedures adopted by the Awami League in the lead-up to the election. The US sanctions on Bangladesh may force increased dependence of Bangladesh on China.
• Concerns of  Minorities: The Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have faced atrocities by the majority population. Hindus comprise a meagre 8% of the country’s population.
• Concerns of Influx of illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants from Bangladesh: The influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh into West Bengal and Assam has created demographic challenges as well as posed a burden on resources meant for Indian citizens.
  • The National Register of Citizens (NRC), aimed at curbing such migration, has raised concerns in Bangladesh.
• Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking: The rackets involved in illegal infiltration and human trafficking are active along both sides. 
  • The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the BSF recently rescued two Bangladeshi and one Indian woman from the clutches of human traffickers.
  • According to the South Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF), 2,345 persons were apprehended for illegally crossing the border between January to November 2023.
• Smuggling of Goods and Cattles:  A range of commodities are traded illicitly across the entire stretch of the border. According to an estimate in 2014, illegal exports from India to Bangladesh were about $4 billion, which is almost the same as the volume of formal trade.  
  • There is rampant smuggling of gold and Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) along the border.
  • In the year 2022, the South Bengal Frontier seized about 114 kilogram of gold and the FICN seized along the frontier had increased from fake currency valuing 3.33 lakh in 2022 to fake currency valuing ₹15.86 lakh till November 2023.
  • Every year, more than 2 million Indian cattle are smuggled to Bangladesh due to the porous India-Bangladesh border. 
• Drug Trafficking: Bangladesh is increasingly being used as a  transit point by drug dealers and the drug mafia,  which  dispatches  heroin  and  opium  from  Burma,  and  other  countries  of  the  golden  triangle,  to  different destinations.
• Water Sharing Issues: The Teesta River, originating in the Himalayas and flowing through Sikkim and West Bengal before merging with the Brahmaputra in Assam (Jamuna in Bangladesh), is a major point of contention between India and Bangladesh, both friendly neighbors.
  • Unresolved treaties for major rivers like Teesta and Feni despite sharing 54 rivers, impacting bilateral relations.
  • India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers, but only two treaties have been signed so far of Ganga Waters Treaty and The Kushiyara River Treaty.

Way Forward

The recently approved pacts are important and must be prioritsed, along with addressing the following issues: 

• Addressing the Issue of Illegal Migration: Measures should be taken to resolve the issue of illegal migration and ensure that illegal migrants do not acquire voting rights and Indian nationality.
• Security Cooperation: There is a need for institutionalizing the security cooperation so that it does not remain restricted to the tenure of a particular government in either country. 
• Resolve Water Sharing Issue: A beginning could be made by signing the bilateral extradition treaty Agreement on water sharing. Early resolution of the Teesta issue is necessary. 
• People-to-people Connect: Growth in people-to-people contact needs to be encouraged. Hence liberal visa system should be put in place.
  • Pursuant to the policy of Government of India to further liberalise the Indian visa application process and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Bangladesh, services across the 16 IVAC centres nationwide have been augmented to cater to the rising demand for Indian visa.
• Cultural and Sports Diplomacy: Recently, India extended best wishes to both the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket teams ahead of their T20 World Cup match. Such gestures underscore the cultural affinities and shared enthusiasm for sports between the two nations that needs to be followed in future too.

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