Answer

Introduction

India-Bangladesh relations, built on shared history, geography, and cooperation, are currently experiencing a trust deficit driven by differing expectations, policy perceptions, and political transitions. This has impacted the momentum of bilateral engagement and cooperation.

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Factors Responsible for Recent Strain in Bilateral Ties

• Policy Expectations: Bangladesh expects India to take reciprocal confidence-building steps following political transitions, but perceived delays have created dissatisfaction.
  Eg: Bangladesh expected reversal of restrictions on transhipment and trade facilitation as goodwill gestures.
• Trade Frictions: Concerns over market access and trade restrictions have contributed to perceptions of asymmetry in economic relations.
  Eg: Concerns over restrictive market access for Bangladeshi goods, affecting bilateral economic sentiment.
• Immigration Rhetoric: Political emphasis on illegal immigration has created sensitivity in Bangladesh, affecting diplomatic comfort.
• Water Disputes: Delay in resolving long-standing river water-sharing agreements has contributed to trust deficits.
  Eg: The pending renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
• Political Transitions: Frequent political changes in Bangladesh create uncertainty in sustaining consistent bilateral engagement.

Way Forward to Rebuild Mutual Confidence

• Reciprocity Balance: India should combine strategic outreach with timely economic and diplomatic reciprocity to build trust.
  Eg: Restoring visa facilitation and transhipment arrangements can act as confidence-building measures.
• Issue Prioritisation: Shift focus from contentious narratives to developmental and resource cooperation.
  Eg: Prioritising the Ganga Water Treaty renewal can strengthen trust in shared resource management.
• Trade Normalisation: Reducing non-tariff barriers and improving market access will enhance economic interdependence.
• Dialogue Mechanisms: Strengthening institutional dialogue channels ensures continuous engagement despite political transitions.
  Eg: Regular high-level consultations under existing bilateral mechanisms.
• Sensitivity Approach: Diplomacy must account for domestic political sensitivities in both countries.

Conclusion

India and Bangladesh must recalibrate their partnership through sustained dialogue, mutual sensitivity, and reciprocal cooperation. Strengthening trust-building measures while addressing core concerns will ensure stability and deepen this strategically vital neighbourhood relationship.

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