Answer

India and Bangladesh share a rich history, with deep-rooted cultural, economic, and strategic ties. As one of India’s most important neighbours in South Asia, Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in India’s neighborhood diplomacy.

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Bangladesh’s Role in India’s Neighborhood Diplomacy

• Strategic Location: Bangladesh’s strategic position plays a vital role in enhancing trade and connectivity with India’s northeastern states
  For example: The India-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWTT)  facilitates connectivity between India’s northeastern states and the rest of the country, boosting trade and regional cooperation.
• Economic Partnership: Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia,  with bilateral trade growing significantly in recent years.
  For example: In FY 2022-23, the total bilateral trade has been reported as USD 15.9 billion , demonstrating growing economic interdependence and trade collaboration between the two nations.
• Security Cooperation: Bangladesh cooperates with India on a range of security issues, including counterterrorism and border management.
  For example: The “Exercise Sampriti” is an annual joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh that enhances security cooperation.
• Water Resource Management: Shared rivers between India and Bangladesh necessitate cooperation in water resource management for sustainable usage.
  For example: The Indo-Bangladesh Water Treaty of 1996 regulates water sharing from the Ganges River, ensuring equitable access to water resources for both nations.
• Cultural and People-to-People Ties: India and Bangladesh share rich cultural ties, which strengthen their diplomatic relations.
  For example: Bengali culture, common to both countries, promotes social and cultural exchanges through programs, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill.
• Regional Cooperation: Bangladesh plays a significant role in regional cooperation through its membership in international organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BBIN.

Challenges India Faces in Maintaining a Balanced Partnership Amid Political Changes in Bangladesh

• Political Instability: The 2024 political crisis in Bangladesh, marked by protests, leadership changes and unrest, created uncertainty in the engagement of both nations, especially on border security and trade matters.
• Attacks on Minorities Across Both Borders: Attacks on religious minorities have led to diplomatic tensions, affecting people-to-people ties and overall cooperation between the two countries.
• Threat to India’s Connectivity with the North-East: Deteriorating relations with Bangladesh threaten India’s access to the Northeast, with the narrow “Chicken’s Neck” becoming even more vulnerable.
  For example: The volatile Myanmar border and worsening Indo-Bangladesh relations could escalate unrest and insurgency in India’s Northeast.
• Jeopardized Bilateral Trade and FTA: The political changes, including Sheikh Hasina’s exit, have stalled the growth of bilateral trade and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.
• Deterioration of People-to-People Ties: Domestic political changes and ideological shift  in Bangladesh could foster anti-India sentiments, potentially weakening the strong social and cultural ties.
• Geopolitical Challenges: Bangladesh’s political shifts provide an opportunity for China to challenge India’s presence and influence in Bangladesh.

Measures India Can Take to Enhance Its Strategic Ties with Bangladesh

• Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement: India should engage regularly with Bangladesh through high-level diplomatic exchanges to address pressing bilateral issues.
  For example: The recent visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary to Dhaka for Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladeshi counterpart marked the first high-level meeting since the interim government assumed power in August 2024.
• Increasing Economic Cooperation: India can further strengthen economic ties by accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  For example: A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could help remove trade barriers and promote mutual economic growth.
• Collaborating on Regional Security: India should deepen collaboration with Bangladesh on regional security, especially counterterrorism and border management.
  For example: Joint security initiatives like the “Exercise Sampriti” can be expanded to improve security coordination and combat cross-border terrorism.
• Addressing Water Disputes: India should prioritize resolving the Teesta River water-sharing dispute by negotiating a fair and equitable agreement with Bangladesh.
• Promoting People-to-People Relations: Cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges can foster stronger people-to-people ties, reducing mistrust and enhancing cooperation.
  For example: Expanding tourism routes and people-to-people exchanges, such as Bengali festivals, would deepen mutual understanding and reinforce cultural connections.

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India’s strategic ties with Bangladesh are crucial for regional stability and prosperity. By addressing political challenges, enhancing economic cooperation, and strengthening security collaboration, India can foster deeper relations with Bangladesh. This approach reflects the Gujral Doctrine, which advocates for non-reciprocal accommodation and mutual respect, fostering harmonious ties among India’s neighbors.

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