History of the Liberation of Bangladesh and India's Role:
Background:
Pre-1971: Bangladesh was part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971.
Issues: The people of Bangladesh felt marginalized by the dominance of West Pakistan and the imposition of Urdu, which led to protests against the suppression of Bengali culture and demands for fair representation.
Key Developments:
Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman led the movement for autonomy.
1970 Elections: The Awami League, under Sheikh Mujib, won a majority in the constituent assembly for all of Pakistan.
West Pakistani leadership refused to acknowledge the results, arrested Sheikh Mujib, and subsequently faced violent suppression by the Pakistani army.
India's Role:
Refugee Crisis: The conflict created a significant refugee crisis, with many fleeing to India.
Support: India provided assistance to the Bengali population and played a crucial role in the liberation struggle.
Operations:
Operation Jackpot:
Purpose: A covert operation carried out by the Indian military to support the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters) by targeting key locations in the East Pakistan region.
Objective: Disrupt Pakistani military operations and support the independence movement.
Operation Searchlight:
Purpose: A brutal crackdown by the Pakistani military against the Bengali population.
Objective: Suppress the independence movement and quell protests, which led to widespread atrocities and significant civilian casualties.
Economic Cooperation:
Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, while India is the second largest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Bangladesh exported goods worth USD 1.97 billion to India, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 14.01 billion.
Bangladesh is the primary destination for Indian cotton exports, making up 34.9% of India's total cotton exports (approximately $2.4 billion in FY24).
Major Indian exports to Bangladesh include petroleum products and cereals.
Bangladesh’s top export to India is readymade garments, totaling $391 million in FY24.
Recently, Bangladesh has become a significant global textile hub.
Security and Border Management:
Both countries collaborate on police matters, anti-corruption, and combatting illicit activities such as drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, and human trafficking.
The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement resolved long-standing border issues.
Security Mechanisms: The 4,096 km international border is managed through border fencing, joint inspections of boundary pillars, and collaborative boundary demarcation, including riverine boundaries.
Defence Cooperation:
India and Bangladesh engage in joint military exercises, such as Exercise Sampriti (army) and Exercise Bongo Sagar (navy).
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Both nations are enhancing connectivity through various transportation modes.
Notable Developments:
Rehabilitation of 6 pre-1965 railway links between India and Bangladesh.
India has provided three lines of credit to Bangladesh since 2016, totaling $8 billion for road, rail, shipping, and port infrastructure.
In November 2023, two major projects were inaugurated: the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link and the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line. The Akhaura-Agartala link is the sixth cross-border rail line.
Additional Agreements:
The Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT), operational since 1972, facilitates trade via inland waterways.
The Agreement for using Chittagong and Mongla Ports was also operationalized in 2023.
Cultural Cooperation:
Cultural exchange programs featuring prominent artists from both nations foster people-to-people connections and enhance mutual understanding.
Challenges in India and Bangladesh ties:
India and Bangladesh share a unique relationship rooted in a common cultural heritage, shared principles, and values. This relationship has been forged by common aspirations and the sacrifices of their peoples. However, there are some challenges to India-Bangladesh bilateral ties.
Illegal Migration:
Illegal migration from Bangladesh to India remains a significant issue, straining resources in Indian border states and posing security challenges.
The situation has been exacerbated by the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, contributing to the migration problem.
River Water Management:
The management of transboundary river water is a contentious issue, given that India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers.
Although major treaties like the Ganga Waters Treaty and the Kushiyara River Treaty have been signed, disagreements persist over water sharing and management.
Increasing Influence of China:
China’s growing influence in Bangladesh is a concern for India, particularly as Bangladesh participates in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
There is apprehension that China's expanding involvement in Bangladesh could affect India’s regional influence and strategic goals.
Addressing Challenges in India-Bangladesh Ties
Strengthen Border Security: Enhance surveillance and border control measures to manage and mitigate illegal migration.
Improve Bilateral Cooperation: Collaborate on joint border management initiatives and intelligence sharing to address migration issues.
Support Refugee Integration: Develop support programs for refugees, including legal frameworks and humanitarian aid, to manage the impact of migration.
Enhance Dialogue and Negotiations: Continue and intensify discussions to resolve water-sharing disputes and update existing treaties.
Promote Joint River Basin Management: Establish joint committees for integrated water management and conservation efforts.
Invest in Infrastructure: Develop infrastructure for efficient water distribution and management, including storage and irrigation systems.
Strengthen India-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership: Deepen economic, strategic, and cultural ties to reinforce the bilateral relationship.
Engage in Regional Diplomacy: Actively participate in regional forums and initiatives to balance China's influence and promote collaborative regional development.
Support Economic Development: Invest in projects and development initiatives in Bangladesh to counterbalance China's influence and foster economic interdependence.
India and Bangladesh share a deep cultural and historical bond, but their relationship faces challenges such as illegal migration, river water management disputes, and China's growing influence in Bangladesh. Addressing these issues requires enhanced cooperation, strategic engagement, and mutual investment.
