https://sputniknews.in/20241216/can-indias-longtime-bonds-with-bangladesh-weather-stormy-political-waters-8551935.html
Can India’s Longtime Bonds With Bangladesh Weather Stormy Political Waters?
Can India’s Longtime Bonds With Bangladesh Weather Stormy Political Waters?
Sputnik India
India and Bangladesh mark the 53rd Vijay Diwas, celebrating their 1971 victory over Pakistan in the Liberation War. On this historic occasion, Sputnik India... 16.12.2024, Sputnik India
2024-12-16T17:44+0530
2024-12-16T17:44+0530
2024-12-17T18:39+0530
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Rising anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh is complicating the state's relationship with India, but the benefits of having warm relations far outweigh Bangladesh's present antagonism towards India, experts have said, suggesting that India could urge Bangladesh to recalibrate its stance.India-Bangladesh relations, rooted in shared history and mutual support during Bangladesh's liberation in 1971, are now marked by both strong economic ties and growing tensions, Dr Shushant VC Parashar, a Research Fellow at the New Delhi-based military think tank, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), told Sputnik India.While connectivity projects highlight deep interdependence, unresolved issues like border disputes, water-sharing delays, and rising anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh complicate the partnership, he added. These tensions are compounded by a broader shift in Bangladesh's current foreign policy, Parashar believes.The future of India-Bangladesh relations depends on both nations addressing these challenges through constructive dialogue and inclusive engagement, he suggested. Resolving water-sharing disputes, de-escalating border tensions, and countering inflammatory rhetoric are essential steps toward rebuilding trust, the think tanker stressed.For India, engaging with a broader spectrum of Bangladesh's political and social actors while balancing strategic patience with proactive diplomacy will be key to maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship, the expert expressed. Despite emerging complexities, the two countries' robust economic and infrastructural foundations provide significant opportunities for mutual growth and regional stability, he underlined.He believes that economic and cultural ties remain critical to maintaining goodwill and countering anti-India narratives in Bangladesh and strengthening trade partnerships, offering competitive infrastructure and defence alternatives to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and fostering people-to-people connections can counter Dhaka's strategic diversification.This approach will also reaffirm India's role as a reliable and long-term partner, addressing both economic and geopolitical concerns without resorting to aggression, he assumed.Drawing from its successful approach in the Maldives, India could adopt an inclusive stance that engages all political factions in Bangladesh rather than relying on specific leaders or parties, Parashar stated. Supporting democratic processes and strategic investments in areas like clean energy, regional connectivity, and security will enable India to navigate leadership changes in Bangladesh while safeguarding its interests. By combining strategic patience with proactive initiatives, India can address its concerns while preserving the long-standing partnership with its neighbour, Parashar asserted.Meanwhile, it would be a little premature to judge Bangladesh just now to say that it has changed its foreign policy towards India as the majority of Bangladeshis continue to express gratitude to India for its support in their Liberation War, professor Sreeradha Datta, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute for South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), elaborated.Moreover, one must not always look at Bangladesh from an Indian prism; no one should forget that Bangladesh is an independent nation and it has every right to make strategic decisions that benefit its economy and people, she noted.Besides, India's relations with Bangladesh can't be held hostage to ties with any other country. The two neighbours share a vast land border and trade worth billions of dollars. At this point in time, Bangladesh is India's sixth-largest trade partner, Datta added.India's exports to Bangladesh touched the $11.25 billion mark during 2023, while the overall trade between the two neighbours breached the $14 billion barrier in the last financial year.Additionally, India plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's development, with a portfolio of over $8 billion in development projects. This includes the Maitree Thermal Power Plant, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, six railway lines, and a similar number of ports, including Chattogram and Mongla Ports.On the other hand, the ongoing domestic crisis in Bangladesh affects its relationship with India, which is natural given the close ties between the two countries, Rishi Gupta, who serves as the Assistant Director at the Asia Society Policy Institute, believes. However, these are tense moments, and it is a time for making cautious decisions.The incubment Bangladesh administration has had tensions with the Indian government, particularly regarding the protection of minorities. Hindus, who make up nearly 8% of the country's population, have faced attacks on their places of worship, financial establishments, and women being subjected to reported cases of sexual assault.Although Bangladesh initially denied incidents of arson and looting against the Hindu community, it later acknowledged 88 such cases. However, critics suggest that the actual number could be higher than what has been officially reported.While India echoes the rights and voices of minorities, it's high time that the media plays a constructive role, Gupta mentioned.Bangladesh's strategic coastline could be used against India's interests, and any coercive action towards Bangladesh may create a void that inimical forces could exploit, he stated. Therefore, whatever India decides must be seen through the prism of larger regional security implications, he concluded.
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Can India’s Longtime Bonds With Bangladesh Weather Stormy Political Waters?
17:44 16.12.2024 (Updated: 18:39 17.12.2024) India and Bangladesh mark the 53rd Vijay Diwas, celebrating their 1971 victory over Pakistan in the Liberation War. On this historic occasion, Sputnik India examines the current state of Indo-Bangladesh ties.
Rising anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh is complicating the state's relationship with India, but the benefits of having warm relations far outweigh Bangladesh's present antagonism towards India, experts have said, suggesting that India could urge Bangladesh to recalibrate its stance.
India-Bangladesh relations, rooted in shared history and mutual support during Bangladesh's liberation in 1971, are now marked by both strong economic ties and growing tensions, Dr Shushant VC Parashar, a Research Fellow at the New Delhi-based military think tank, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), told Sputnik India.
While connectivity projects highlight deep interdependence, unresolved issues like border disputes, water-sharing delays, and rising anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh
complicate the partnership, he added. These tensions are compounded by a broader shift in Bangladesh's current foreign policy, Parashar believes.
"Domestically, anti-India sentiment fueled by opposition political parties has gained traction, often portraying India as a hegemonic neighbour. Meanwhile, India's concerns about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and its rejection of such allegations as interference have added to the diplomatic strain," Parashar asserted.
The future of India-Bangladesh relations depends on both nations addressing these challenges through constructive dialogue and inclusive engagement, he suggested. Resolving water-sharing disputes, de-escalating border tensions, and countering inflammatory rhetoric are essential steps toward rebuilding trust, the think tanker stressed.
For India, engaging with a broader spectrum of Bangladesh's political and social actors while balancing strategic patience with proactive diplomacy will be key to maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship, the expert expressed. Despite emerging complexities, the two countries'
robust economic and infrastructural foundations provide significant opportunities for mutual growth and regional stability, he underlined.
"India needs to balance its historical ties with Bangladesh while addressing growing geopolitical challenges pragmatically and multifacetedly. Diplomatic engagement is key to addressing contentious issues like water-sharing and border tensions while rebuilding trust. High-level dialogues and reinvigorated bilateral mechanisms can help reduce misunderstandings and ensure cooperation. Coercive measures such as economic blockades, although suggested by some, risk alienating Dhaka and undermining India's regional influence," Parashar suggested.
He believes that economic and cultural ties remain critical to maintaining goodwill and countering anti-India narratives in Bangladesh and strengthening trade partnerships, offering competitive infrastructure and defence alternatives to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and fostering people-to-people connections can counter Dhaka's strategic diversification.
This approach will also reaffirm India's role as a reliable and long-term partner, addressing both economic and geopolitical concerns
without resorting to aggression, he assumed.
Drawing from its successful approach in the Maldives, India could adopt an inclusive stance that engages all political factions in Bangladesh rather than relying on specific leaders or parties, Parashar stated. Supporting democratic processes and strategic investments in areas like clean energy, regional connectivity, and security will enable India to navigate leadership changes in Bangladesh while safeguarding its interests. By combining strategic patience with proactive initiatives, India can address its concerns while preserving the long-standing partnership with its neighbour, Parashar asserted.
Meanwhile, it would be a little premature to judge Bangladesh just now to say that it has changed its foreign policy towards India as the majority of Bangladeshis continue to express gratitude to India for its support in their Liberation War, professor Sreeradha Datta, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute for South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), elaborated.
"In my assessment, there is an anti-Awami League and anti-Sheikh Hasina sentiment in the Bangladeshi society that India has to understand given how close India was to the former Prime Minister and her government. This feeling has naturally turned into a bit of an anti-India fervour, which is part of the people's reaction to India's closeness with Hasina for over a decade and a half," she said in an interview with Sputnik India.
Moreover, one must not always look at Bangladesh from an Indian prism; no one should forget that Bangladesh is an independent nation and it has every right to make strategic decisions that benefit its economy and people, she noted.
Besides, India's relations with Bangladesh can't be held hostage to ties with any other country. The two neighbours share a vast land border and
trade worth billions of dollars. At this point in time, Bangladesh is India's sixth-largest trade partner, Datta added.
India's exports to Bangladesh touched the $11.25 billion mark during 2023, while the overall trade between the two neighbours breached the $14 billion barrier in the last financial year.
Additionally, India plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's development, with a portfolio of over $8 billion in development projects. This includes the Maitree Thermal Power Plant, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, six railway lines, and a similar number of ports, including Chattogram and Mongla Ports.
"Nonetheless, from an Indian perspective, the main concern is security and it would help build trust in the current Bangladeshi regime if it addresses India's security concerns. That is kind of a red line for India about its ties with its neighbours and Bangladesh is no different. There's no denying the fact that Hasina addressed threats to India's security adequately and I think the Yunus government would ensure that nothing untoward happens in this regard," she asserted.
On the other hand, the ongoing domestic crisis in Bangladesh affects its relationship with India, which is natural given the close ties between the two countries, Rishi Gupta, who serves as the Assistant Director at the Asia Society Policy Institute, believes. However, these are tense moments, and it is a time for making cautious decisions.
The incubment Bangladesh administration has had tensions with the Indian government, particularly regarding the
protection of minorities. Hindus, who make up nearly 8% of the country's population, have faced attacks on their places of worship, financial establishments, and women being subjected to reported cases of sexual assault.
Although Bangladesh initially denied incidents of arson and looting against the Hindu community, it later acknowledged 88 such cases. However, critics suggest that the actual number could be higher than what has been officially reported.
While India echoes the rights and voices of minorities, it's high time that the media plays a constructive role, Gupta mentioned.
"India needs also to advocate for the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh and earlier elections to improve stability, and I am sure the global community, too, will join Delhi in this call as disruptive diplomacy serves no purpose but rather drives away any opportunities for cordiality," the pundit remarked.
Bangladesh's strategic coastline could be used against India's interests, and any coercive action towards Bangladesh may create a void that inimical forces could exploit, he stated. Therefore, whatever India decides must be seen through the prism of larger regional security implications, he concluded.
