Date: 12/09/2022

Relevance: GS-2: India and its neighbourhood – International relations

Key Phrases: India-Bangladesh relationship, enhanced economic cooperation, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), longest land border, Border management, a Role model for neighbourhood diplomacy.

Why in News?

• The deepening of ties between Bangladesh and India comes at a time of increased uncertainty in South Asia.
• Sri Lanka and Pakistan are reeling from economic and political crises, even as the region as a whole is dealing with the twin shocks of the pandemic and the supply chain problems caused by the conflict in Ukraine.
• Bangladesh is arguably India’s most reliable partner in the neighbourhood, and the relations have been nurtured by both sides, especially in the last decade.

Areas of convergence:

• Trade ties:
  • Both sides have directed officials to begin negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which is long overdue: India is Bangladesh’s second biggest trade partner and its largest export market in Asia.
  • Despite the pandemic, bilateral trade grew at an unprecedented rate of almost 44 percent from $10.78 billion in 2020-21 to $18.13 billion in 2021-22.
  • Bangladesh’s major import items like cotton, mineral fuel, machinery, electrical equipment, and cereals are among the top exported commodities by India to the world.
  • India shares the longest land border with Bangladesh surrounding it from all three sides, making India a natural trade partner of Bangladesh.
  • Yet India accounts for only 19 percent of the total imports of Bangladesh after China, while the USA is the largest export destination even with no GSP and no land borders.
• Border management and river waters:
  • On these two issues there have historically been differences between Delhi and Dhaka - now, significant progress has been made.
  • An MoU has been signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Bangladesh Ministry of Water Resources on the withdrawal of water from the Kushiyara.
  • The two sides also affirmed that border management is a shared priority and commended the fact that the deaths on the border have greatly reduced.
  • That both countries have agreed to “expedite work to complete all pending developmental works within 150 yards of the Zero Line, including fencing starting with the Tripura sector to maintain a tranquil and crime-free border” is welcome.
• Defence cooperation:
  • Bangladesh is modernising its military, inducting new weapons and improving infrastructure in line with its ‘Forces Goal 2030’.
  • India has the capability to meet a significant part of these requirements, which will also boost defence cooperation between the two countries.
  • Dhaka has traditionally relied on Beijing for its defence needs. As there is greater trust in the relationship with Delhi, there is every chance that strategic cooperation can keep pace with economic ties.
• Better connectivity:
  • For better connectivity in the region, have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in coastal connectivity, road, rail, and inland waterways.
  • Since the trial runs of multimodal Freight through Mangla ports to India’s North-eastern region were successful, the two countries are looking for early completion and operationalization of this route.
• Energy:
  • The rising energy demand in Bangladesh has led to the 1,320 MW thermal power plant being built at Rampal by the NTPC in a 50:50 joint venture.
  • A 1,600 MW power plant in Godda, Jharkhand built by the Adani group will supply power to Bangladesh via a dedicated transmission line by December next year.
  • The “Friendship” pipeline from Assam’s Numaligarh refinery is nearing completion and will deliver petroleum products to Parbatipur in Bangladesh.
• Role model for neighbourhood diplomacy:
  • PM of Bangladesh graciously described the India-Bangladesh relationship as “a role model for neighbourhood diplomacy worldwide”. But such a relationship needs to be carefully nurtured for it to stay strong and grow.
• Terrorism and Extremism:
  • The borders are susceptible to terrorist infiltration. Bangladesh has done much to deal with terrorism and extremism, and to deny a haven to anti-India groups.

Areas of Concerns:

• Citizenship Amendment Act:
  • There has been a concern in Bangladesh about the CAA and the proposed National Register of Citizens in India.
  • The concern is as much about laws as the anti-Bangladeshi rhetoric from the highest political echelons in Delhi.
  • It is a testament to the abiding relationship that such politics has not upset the relationship with Dhaka. But that doesn’t mean that India should take things for granted.
• Teesta River Water Dispute:
  • The long-pending issue of sharing Teesta waters - a major concern for Dhaka - continues to be unresolved, partly due to the Government of West Bengal.
  • No treaty has been signed yet to resolve the Teesta water-sharing dispute between the two nations.
• Regional geopolitics:
  • Chinese inroads into the neighbourhood have been a cause of worry for India. China has been actively pursuing bilateral ties with Bangladesh.
  • Bangladesh had successfully approached China for a mega project to enhance the Teesta River water flow.
  • Bangladesh also requires China’s support in resolving the Rohingya refugee crisis. Bangladesh is the second biggest arms market for China after Pakistan.
  • At present, Bangladesh is an active partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Conclusion:

• Deepening the relationship with Bangladesh has become a necessity in the face of shifting geo-economics in the world scene that is challenging the moves of globalisation and protectionism taking centre stage.
• To counter its impact, it will be important to develop a stronger partnership in the region.
• Bangladesh, with its growing economic success, provides a vital partnership in the region and with its 8 percent, growth rate is considered among the fastest-growing economies in the world.
• In the fast-evolving geopolitics and expanding presence of East Asian economies in Bangladesh, having a strategic partnership based on sustainable mutual cooperation in the immediate neighbour will be a valuable pillar in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains Question:

Q. “In times of regional turmoil, India- Bangladesh relations need careful nurturing.” Discuss.