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International Relations Class 03

India-Bangladesh Relations

Previous Class Topics:

  • The importance of Bangladesh for India in terms of location and strategic significance.
  • The role of Bangladesh in India`s Act East Policy.
  • Initial exploration of areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

Strategic Importance of Bangladesh for India

A. Proximity to Northeast India

  1. Security Threats Affecting India
    • Instability or security threats in Bangladesh can spill over into India, impacting border states.
    • Issues like illegal immigration, infiltration, and smuggling are direct concerns.
  2. Human Security
    • Refugee influx due to conflicts or natural disasters in Bangladesh can strain resources in India`s northeastern states.

B. The Siliguri Corridor

  1. Geostrategic Vulnerability
    • The corridor, often referred to as the "Chicken`s Neck," is the only land connection between the northeastern states and the rest of India.
    • Its narrowness makes it susceptible to blockades or disruptions.
  2. Reducing Overdependence
    • Enhancing connectivity with Bangladesh provides alternative access routes to the Northeast.
    • Diversification ensures economic and strategic stability.

C. Bangladesh as an Important Actor in India`s Act East Policy

  1. Transition from Look East Policy to Act East Policy
    • Look East Policy (1992): Focused on economic integration with Southeast Asia.
    • Act East Policy (2014): Expanded to include East Asia, emphasizing not just economic ties but also security cooperation.
  2. Expansion from Southeast Asia to East Asia
    • Engagement with countries like Japan, South Korea, and involvement in regions like the South China Sea.
  3. Inclusion of Security Concerns
    • Addressing traditional (military threats) and non-traditional (terrorism, piracy) security issues.
    • Enhancing defense collaboration with regional partners.
  4. Development of Northeast India as a Pillar
    • Recognizing the Northeast as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
    • Infrastructure development to integrate the region with broader economic initiatives.

Act East Policy and Bangladesh`s Role

A. Direct and Indirect Involvement of Bangladesh

  1. Geographical Proximity to Northeast India
    • Bangladesh`s location is crucial for overland connectivity to Southeast Asia.
    • Cooperation with Bangladesh is essential for the successful implementation of the Act East Policy.
  2. Enhancement of Connectivity Initiatives
    • Joint projects to improve road, rail, and waterways connectivity.
    • Facilitating trade and movement between India, Bangladesh, and beyond.

B. Sub-Regional Connectivity

  1. BBIN Initiative
    • Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal.
    • Objective: Facilitate unhindered movement of goods and people, enhancing economic integration.
  2. Grid Development
    • Collaborative efforts to develop a regional power grid.
    • Address energy security through cross-border electricity trade.

Security Concerns in India-Bangladesh Relations

A. Traditional and Non-Traditional Threats

  1. Traditional Man-Made Threats
    • Infiltration and Illegal Migration
      • Movement of people across porous borders leading to demographic changes and social tensions.
      • Strain on resources and potential security risks.
    • Drug Trafficking (Golden Triangle Connection)
      • Bangladesh`s proximity to the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) facilitates drug routes.
      • Cross-border drug trade poses internal security challenges.
    • Human Trafficking
      • Notable instances of human trafficking originating from Bangladesh into India.
      • Exploitation and violation of human rights.
    • Smuggling and Illegal Weapons Supply
      • Movement of contraband goods and arms across the border.
      • Fuelling criminal activities and insurgencies.
    • Illegal Animal Trade
      • Poaching and smuggling of wildlife and animal parts.
      • Threat to biodiversity and violation of conservation efforts.
  2. Non-Traditional Natural Threats
    • Land Submergence and Climate Change
      • Rising sea levels leading to land loss in coastal Bangladesh.
      • Potential displacement of populations causing refugee influx into India.
    • Impact on Ecologically Sensitive Areas
      • Ecological disruptions affecting regions like the Sundarbans.
      • Shared environmental concerns necessitating collaborative solutions.

B. Terrorism

  1. Historical Context
    • Periods when Bangladesh harbored extremist groups posing threats to India`s security.
    • Cooperation between security agencies to combat terrorism.
  2. Current Scenario
    • Improved intelligence sharing and joint initiatives to curb terrorist activities.
    • Ongoing vigilance due to the potential resurgence of extremist elements.

 Participation in Multilateral Institutions

  • South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
    • Collaborative efforts on regional integration, trade, and security.
  • Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
    • Promoting economic cooperation between South and Southeast Asian countries.
  • Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
    • Addressing maritime security, trade, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • United Nations
    • Joint participation in UN peacekeeping missions.
    • Support for each other`s candidatures in international forums.

Economic Importance of Bangladesh for India

A. Fastest-Growing Economy

  1. Trade and Investment Opportunities
    • Bangladesh`s robust economic growth opens avenues for Indian businesses.
    • Potential for joint ventures and market expansion.
  2. Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
    • Bangladesh established 100 SEZs, allocating three exclusively for Indian investors.
    • Facilitates industrial collaboration and economic integration.

B. Water Sharing

  • Shared rivers (54 in total) necessitate cooperative water management.
  • Importance of equitable sharing for agriculture, energy, and ecology.

C. Socio-Cultural Connection

  1. Border Haats
    • Local markets along the border promoting traditional trade and cultural exchange.
    • Strengthening people-to-people ties.
  2. Cultural Exchanges
    • Shared linguistic, artistic, and historical heritage.
    • Festivals, arts, and academic collaborations enhancing mutual understanding.

D. Bangladesh as a Destination for Indian Migrant Workers

  1. Remittances to India
    • Indian nationals working in Bangladesh remit approximately $4 billion annually.
    • Contributes to India`s foreign exchange earnings.

Areas of Cooperation Between India and Bangladesh

A. Border Management

  1. Land Boundary Agreement (LBA)
    • Background and Historical Context
      • Indira-Mujib Pact (1974): Initial attempt to resolve border enclaves.
      • 119th Amendment Bill (2013): Legal framework for implementing the LBA.
      • 100th Constitutional Amendment Act (2015): Finalization of the agreement.
    • Exchange of Enclaves
      • India transferred 111 enclaves to Bangladesh; Bangladesh transferred 51 enclaves to India.
      • Resolved the issue of stateless citizens residing in these enclaves.
    • Implications of LBA
      • Resolution of Long-Pending Border Issue: Enhanced legal clarity and sovereignty.
      • Improvement in Security and Development: Reduction in illegal activities and promotion of infrastructure development.
  2. Security Cooperation
    • Joint efforts to reduce border incidents to near zero.
    • Enhanced collaboration between Border Security Force (BSF) of India and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB).
  3. Fixed Boundary Along the Kushiyara River
    • Establishment of a clear maritime boundary to prevent disputes.
    • Facilitates resource management and security operations.
  4. Facilitation of Border Fencing
    • Physical barriers to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling.
    • Part of broader border management strategy.

B. Connectivity Initiatives

1. Importance of Connectivity with Bangladesh

  1. Reduction of Dependence on Siliguri Corridor
    • Alternative routes enhance strategic flexibility.
    • Promotes regional integration and trade efficiency.
  2. Political, Economic, and Social Significance
    • Strengthens bilateral relations.
    • Boosts economic growth through trade.
    • Enhances people-to-people contact fostering goodwill.

2. BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) Project

  1. Overview of BBIN and BBIN MVA
    • BBIN MVA: Motor Vehicles Agreement facilitating seamless cross-border movement.
    • Aims to improve logistics and trade among member countries.
  2. Advantages
    • Economic Benefits
      • Increases trade in goods and services.
      • Lowers transportation costs, rationalizing prices.
    • Strategic Importance
      • Enhances India`s strategic influence in the region.
      • Counters growing Chinese presence.
    • Social Impact
      • Boosts tourism and employment opportunities.
      • Promotes cultural exchange and understanding.

3. Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT)

  1. Renewal and Addendums
    • Second Addendum (2020): Expanded routes and ports of call.
    • Enhances bilateral trade via inland waterways.
  2. Inclusion of New Routes and Ports of Call
    • Sonamura-Daudkandi and Rajshahi-Dhulian routes added.
    • Facilitates connectivity to northeastern states.
  3. Advantages
    • Reduces transportation costs.
    • Promotes regional economic development.
    • Strengthens maritime cooperation.

4. BCIM (Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar) Economic Corridor

  1. Background and Current Status
    • Initially part of China`s OBOR initiative.
    • India opted out due to sovereignty concerns over CPEC.
  2. China`s OBOR Initiative and Exclusion of BCIM
    • China shifted focus to other projects like CMEC with Myanmar.
    • Highlights strategic challenges in the region.

5. Haldibari-Chilahati Rail Route and Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link

  • Restored rail connectivity after 50 years.
  • Enhances trade and movement between India and Bangladesh.
  • Agartala-Akhaura link connects Northeast India to Bangladesh`s railway network.

6. Maitri Setu Project

  1. Bridge over Feni River
    • Connects Tripura in India to Bangladesh.
    • Facilitates transportation and trade.
  2. Connectivity Between Tripura and Bangladesh
    • Provides access to Chittagong Port for India`s Northeast.
    • Reduces logistical challenges and costs.

7. Other Connectivity Projects

  1. Kaladan Multimodal Project with Myanmar
    • Alternative route bypassing Siliguri Corridor.
    • Enhances access to the Northeast through waterways and roadways.
  2. Sittwe Port
    • Developed by India in Myanmar.
    • Part of the strategic counter to China`s initiatives in the region.

8. Air Travel Bubble Arrangement

  • Temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Ensured continuity of essential travel and trade.

C. Defense Cooperation

  1. Exercise Sampriti (Military Exercise)
    • Annual joint military training focusing on counter-terrorism and interoperability.
  2. Exercise Milan (Naval Exercise)
    • Multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
    • Enhances maritime cooperation and security.

D. Economic Relations

  1. Trade Relations and SAFTA
    • Bangladesh is India`s largest trading partner in South Asia.
    • Under SAFTA, India provides duty-free and quota-free access to Bangladeshi exports.
  2. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
    • Negotiations and Potential Benefits
      • Expansion of trade in goods and services.
      • Strengthening investment ties and intellectual property rights regime.
    • Impact of Rising Chinese Influence
      • Accelerates the need to finalize CEPA.
      • Counters China`s growing economic footprint in Bangladesh.

E. Hydro-Political Relations

  1. Mixed Bag of Achievements and Challenges
    • Collaborative efforts in water sharing alongside unresolved disputes.
  2. Success Stories
    • Farakka Barrage (Ganga Water Treaty)
      • Resolved long-standing dispute over Ganga water sharing.
      • Treaty governs the distribution of river water, ensuring mutual benefits.
    • Maitri Setu Project
      • Utilizes the Feni River for connectivity.
      • Symbolizes cooperation over shared water resources.
    • Feni River Water Sharing
      • Agreement allows India to draw drinking water for Tripura.
      • Demonstrates goodwill and practical cooperation.
  3. Challenges
    • Teesta Water Dispute
      • Importance of Teesta River
        • Vital for irrigation and livelihoods in both countries.
        • Supports significant agricultural activities.
      • Dispute Background and Negotiations
        • Ongoing talks since 1983 without a final agreement.
        • Interim agreements have been proposed but not finalized.
      • Internal Politics Influence (West Bengal`s Opposition)
        • West Bengal`s concerns over water availability for its own farmers.
        • State-level opposition impacting national foreign policy decisions.

 Impact of Internal Politics on India-Bangladesh Relations

A. Role of West Bengal in Teesta Water Dispute

  • Chief Minister`s opposition to proposed agreements.
  • Prioritization of regional interests over national foreign policy objectives.

B. Influence of Domestic Politics on Foreign Policy

  • Internal conflicts and federal dynamics affecting international relations.
  • Necessitates coordination between central and state governments.

C. Conflictual Federalism

  • Case study of how federal structures can pose challenges in foreign negotiations.
  • Highlights the need for cohesive policymaking.

Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations

A. Regime Change in Bangladesh

  1. Potential Impact on Agreements and Cooperation
    • Uncertainty over the continuation of existing treaties and initiatives.
    • Risk of rollback on connectivity and economic projects.
  2. Rising Chinese Influence
    • China`s strategic investments in Bangladesh through the OBOR initiative.
    • Need for India to reinforce its presence and partnerships.

B. Future of Connectivity and Hydro-Political Agreements

  • Speculation over the fate of the Ganga Water Treaty upon renewal.
  • Concerns regarding the sustainability of cooperative projects amid political shifts.

Next Class Topics:

  • In-depth analysis of the Teesta Water Dispute, including historical context and current status.
  • Exploration of how Indian internal politics, particularly federal dynamics, influence foreign policy decisions.
  • Commencement of the study on India-Myanmar relations, covering strategic importance and bilateral cooperation.`