Rivers,Bridges and Beyond

Hello friends, after looking into the history of the Bangladesh war, let's discuss what is the current scenario of India Bangladesh ties.

After liberation, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman was assassinated in 1975. Bangladesh witnessed Pakistan styled military rule for nearly one and a half-decade. This was a setback for India as well. Relations were hostile during these years. With the restoration of democracy in the 1990s and 2000s, relations witnessed a remarkable shift towards close partnerships in various fields.

Both countries share a land boundary of 4096.7 km, the fifth longest in the contemporary world. Almost 54 rivers, numerous rivulets flow between the two nations. India's North-East Region is kind of landlocked because of Bangladesh and vice versa. Given these facts, India cannot ignore Bangladesh making it the most important strategic neighbor.

Source-Wikimedia commons

                                                                                                                                           

Land Boundary issues have been a matter of concern for India in its neighbourhood. However, it has solved nearly all territorial disputes with Bangladesh. Be it islands or enclaves, huge diplomatic and political efforts have solved the issue. Land Boundary Agreement signed in 2015 is the sign of maturity in a relationship

Bangladesh has witnessed a radical positive transformation in its economy in the last two decades. This has opened up new opportunities for India to cooperate with Bangladesh on common developmental goals. India has invested massively in Bangladesh in terms of physical infrastructure and connectivity. Many ongoing projects are being financed by India's three Lines Of Credit(LOC) worth US $ 8 billion.

India's involvement in building nuclear power plant of Bangladesh, energy import from India, transit facilities to Bhutan and Nepal through India by Bangladesh, BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement of these 4 countries, show depth and intensity of activity going on between the two. Several initiatives such as MAITRI SETU and rail network to connect North East India through Bangladesh, Maitree Express from Kolkata to Dhaka are operational.

Maitri Setu connecting Tripura to Bangladesh on Feni River

                                                      (Source- newslivetv.com)

However, India- Bangladesh has some significant concerns as well. Immigrants in India have been a matter of debate in domestic politics reflected in issues like NRC and CAA. Bangladeshi radical parties also criticize Sheikh Hasina for being pro India. The increasing footprint of China has raised eyebrows in the South Block. The killing of citizens on borders by Bangladesh had a serious impact on relations for short time in the past.

The prosperity of Bangladesh has been neglected by Indian media who is busy hurling abuses to Bangladeshis. Some anti-India voices are also strong in Bangladesh. It's very vital to convince these voices why good ties are important. The Indo-Bangladesh friendship lies not only in rivers, bridges but beyond that as well.

                          Do watch for mature and expert analysis and more insights

The recent visit by PM Modi to Bangladesh was a symbol of strong and 'fraternal' ties between two neighbors. As Bangladesh is going to shed its Least Developed Country status by 2026, the window of opportunity to write a golden chapter is being opened. India-Bangladesh can transform South Asia from the least integrated region to "at least" integrated region with the shared vision of prosperity and stability in the subcontinent. 

Take a look at-

Teesta Water Dispute

New Moor Islands

The Land Boundary Agreement,2015 and Enclaves Exchange