Hiren Pandit: India is a tested friend of Bangladesh. India gave full support to Bangladesh in the Great War of Liberation. The people of India stood shoulder to shoulder with us and liberated Bangladesh. The relationship between the two countries is written in the language of blood. Because of this, Bangladesh’s relationship with India has been established on a solid foundation today. This relationship is one of partnership and fairness. Cultural, social, and economic connections between Bangladesh and India, as well as history, culture, language, tradition, and arts-related issues, are similar, so the passion of the people of the two countries towards these issues is also almost the same. At the end of the Liberation War in 1971, India became directly involved in the war for Bangladesh. Still, it kept its border open since the beginning of the genocide of Bengalis by the Pakistanis.
About one crore people left their homes and took refuge in India to escape the brutality. Despite various difficulties, the Government of India provided shelter and food to the oppressed people for nine months. Relations between independent Bangladesh and its neighbor India began with India’s recognition of Bangladesh on 6 December 1971. That relationship reached a different height through the diplomatic wisdom and ideological leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Indira Gandhi. Bangabandhu’s speech at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on February 7, 1972, said, ‘I firmly believe that India-Bangladesh friendship will remain unbroken forever. No power in the world can break this alliance. Bangabandhu laid the foundation for the relationship between the two countries based on respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic norms, and values. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is following the path of diplomatic relations shown by Bangabandhu.
Due to the strategic situation, both countries have priority in each other’s foreign policy. It is widely recognized that the Bangladesh-India relationship is significant in the geopolitical context of South Asia. Bangladesh-India relations now stand on such a solid foundation, which makes them seen as role models of global neighborhood diplomacy. Bangladesh-India relations are above strategic partnership. It must be recalled that the establishment of an independent motherland under the leadership of Bangabandhu in 1971, without the diplomatic-humanitarian support of the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi and her government, and the vocal support of all citizens of India was a complex matter. Indira Gandhi’s tireless efforts in this aesthetic context of emancipation are lit in the spectrum of world history. Indira Gandhi’s direct partisanship not only fueled the Mujibnagar government and the endless inspiration of the valiant freedom fighters; Bengalis are forever indebted to the nation for providing all the logistics to the well-trained Mukti Bahini in conducting a thorough campaign against the Pakistani hyenas.
In continuation, the good relations between the two countries have been strengthened continuously under the leadership of every government of India in the past and the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On December 16, 2021, on the occasion of Bijay’s golden jubilee and Mujib year, in the second phase of the ceremony under the theme of ‘Great Victory’, the former President of India Ram Nath Kovind said in his speech, ‘Bangladesh-India bound by the strength of faith and friendship. Bangladesh has achieved impressive economic growth over the past decade, creating opportunities for its citizens to realize their full potential. Geographical advantage and excellent economic success of Bangladesh can benefit the entire sub-region and the world. There is a growing perception among international experts that closer sub-regional trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity will help accelerate the process of forming Sonar Bangla quickly.”
The relationship between independent Bangladesh and India was formally established on December 6, 1971, recognizing Bangladesh as an independent state. The first Bangladesh-India bilateral trade agreement was signed in 1972 during Bangabandhu’s regime. The new deal signed in 2015 includes several other trade agreements between the two countries, including border huts. On March 17, 1972, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit to Bangladesh strengthened Bangladesh-India relations and opened new horizons of cooperation.
During the visit, a 25-year friendship-peace-cooperation agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh. At the beginning of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations, Bangabandhu raised the question of equitable water distribution and enclave transfer of Ganga and other international rivers. He requested India to give up some additional land while signing the Enclave and Boundary Agreement with India in 1974. Due to Bangabandhu’s interest and vital role, the Interim Agreement on Farakka Dam was signed in April 1975. According to the terms of the agreement, India will withdraw 11,000 to 16,000 cusecs of water during the dry season, and Bangladesh will get 44,000 cusecs of water. Based on which Sheikh Hasina came to power in 1996 and signed the Farakka water-sharing agreement with India.
The brutal assassination of the father of the nation Bangabandhu in 1975 resulted in a change in the political landscape of Bangladesh. Even though formality is maintained at the official or policy level, vast distance is created in other areas, and various tensions are observed between the two countries. After the fall of the Congress government in India in 1977, some progress was made in the relations between the two countries, and a short-term water-sharing agreement for the Ganga River was signed in 1979, and a trade agreement was signed in 1980. This difference prevailed even after the change of Congress government in India in 1980 and in Bangladesh in 1982. At that time, Bangladesh established SAARC in Dhaka in 1985 to build a new structure of relations with India by strengthening regional cooperation.
In 1991, Bangladesh’s return to democratic rule dominated trade relations between the two countries and access to the Indian market for Bangladeshi products. Still, no significant progress was seen beyond security or other continuity issues. During the rule of the Awami League government in 1996-2001, the remarkable success of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India was achieved by signing the long-pending Ganges Water Agreement. Scholars believe it would have been possible without India’s covert support for the landmark ‘Chittagong Hill Tracts’ peace agreement in 1997. The victory of the grand coalition government in the 2008 elections marked a new chapter in developing relations between Bangladesh and India. In January 2010, the bilateral relationship officially took a new shape after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India.
The two countries expressed their commitment to work together on counter-terrorism and security cooperation because of the bilateral, regional, and global consensus on many issues. It should be noted that during the visit, transit facilities to establish connectivity with the mainland of India’s northeastern region, India’s use of Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Mongla ports, agreed to resolve the border issue, Bangladesh’s electricity import from India and India’s loan of one million dollars strengthened Bangladesh-India relations. In 2014, Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister of India. The former Prime Minister’s presence as one of the guests at the swearing-in ceremony further boosted Bangladesh-India friendship. In 2014, the then External Affairs Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj, made her first international visit to Bangladesh. She signed six agreements to improve relations, including visa, electricity, Maitri Express, and Bus services.
During the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June 2015, 22 agreements were signed between the two countries. Among the agreements is an agreement on debt of 200 crore rupees, an investment announcement of 5 billion US dollars, an investment of 3 billion dollars in setting up of 3000 MW LNG-based power plant, 1600 MW coal-based power plant including maritime security cooperation, prevention of human trafficking and fake currency. On July 31, 2015, resolving the 68-year-old land border issue through exchanging enclaves set a unique precedent in the relations between the two countries. On October 17, 2019, 7 agreements and MoUs were signed, and three projects were inaugurated at the meeting of the Prime Ministers of both countries in New Delhi. On December 17, 2020, 7 agreements, protocols, and agreements, including energy, social development, and agriculture, were signed in a virtual meeting of the heads of government of the two countries.
The Prime Minister’s visit to India in September 2022 built a high-level bridge between Bangladesh and India. All in all, this visit was essential. During the visit, defense and security issues, energy, joint river water distribution, cooperation in solving the Rohingya problem, and possible economic partnership, besides discussing the outstanding issues of the two countries, were of particular importance. Seven MoUs were signed. MoUs included- the withdrawal of 153 cusecs of water by Bangladesh from the Kushiara river under the Surma and Kushiara projects, Scientific collaboration between CSIR of Bangladesh and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India, MoU between the Supreme Court of Bangladesh with National Judicial Academy in Bhopal, India, MoU between Bangladesh Television with India’s state broadcaster ‘Prasar Bharti’, cooperation in space technology, training of Bangladesh Railway staff at Indian Railway training institutes and IT cooperation of Bangladesh Railways.
In recognition of the sacrifice of the members of the Indian armed forces in the Great Liberation War in 1971, honoring the family members of the martyred Indian army in Bangladesh and awarding ‘Mujib Scholarship’ to the children of the families of the martyred Indian soldiers in the liberation war, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary-independence and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh-India relations are jointly celebrating the ties between the two countries. Taken to the highest level in history. As an essential accessory for the development and security of the two countries, let this relationship deepen with mutual trust, respect, respect, and love. The successful and safe landing of India’s spacecraft ‘Chandrayaan-3′ on the moon last year has united the Indians and all the citizens of Bangladesh with joy.
Adequate discussion of prevailing political-cultural-economical-industrial-commercial-educational and social disparities and logical solutions regarding the overall welfare of the people of both countries will undoubtedly take the relationship to sky-high heights – no doubt expected. It should be noted that in 1975, Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, lost all her family members and stayed in India for six years. Due to the successful diplomatic efforts of the Sheikh Hasina government, the long-unsettled land and sea boundaries with India were peacefully determined. 2011 Bangladesh-India signed a vital agreement to resolve border issues, the Three Bigha Corridor Agreement. Through this, India agreed to 24-hour travel for Bangladeshi citizens through the three-bigha corridor. In 2015, the Indian Parliament unanimously approved the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement. In 2015, 50,000 alienated citizens who had no nationality became citizens of India or Bangladesh through 162 enclave exchanges.
Through the exchange of enclaves, 111 of India became part of Bangladesh, and 51 of Bangladesh became part of India. Bangladesh gets 17 thousand 258 acres, and India receives 7 thousand 110 acres of land. Bangladesh and India recognize each other’s geographical boundaries, sovereignty, regional security, and economic development. Both countries are very active as development partners of each other. In 2011 and 2014, India provided loan assistance to Bangladesh for infrastructure development. India has assisted Bangladesh with $8 billion under various loan agreements, the highest aid given to any country. India’s military agreement with Bangladesh was executed in 2017. In the era of globalization, there is no alternative to communication systems in building bilateral and multilateral relations. In the past few years, several bilateral agreements have been signed, including bilateral trade agreements, protocols related to inland navigation routes, Dhaka-Guwahati-Shillong and Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus services, MoUs associated with the use of Chittagong and Mongla ports, which the two countries have signed. Inter-communication is playing an indelible role in expansion.
Akhaura Agartala Rail Link, Khulna Mongla Rail Link, and Mithali Express have brought unprecedented improvements in the communication system. All existing land and sea links between the two countries have been strengthened. Padma rail link and Khulna-Mongla railway have set a unique precedent for the communication between the two countries. Advances in communication systems are playing a massive role in enhancing human-to-human communication. According to statistics, 1.6 million Bangladeshis (in tourist, medical, transit, and student categories) have received Indian visas in the last year, which is rare in the history of the world. Both Bangladesh and India are playing a role as strategic partners in combating terrorism.
The length of the India-Bangladesh border is 4 thousand 96.7 kilometers, the fifth longest border in the world. The border spans both countries’ forests, rivers, villages, and farmlands, so managing the border is quite challenging for the two countries’ border guards. Although border killings have decreased in recent times, Bangladesh and India need to do more to stop the killing of unarmed people at the border altogether. To stop human, drug, and all types of smuggling through integrated border management, the challenges must be identified and resolved through appropriate measures. In the current global crisis, Bangladesh-India bilateral relations will strengthen as well as mutual development, regional peace, and security. Bangladesh currently imports 1,160 MW of electricity from India. India is getting a transit facility in Bangladesh.
Much is expected to come under better connectivity shortly. All the countries will significantly benefit from this. There is no opportunity to walk alone or sit behind closed doors in the present age. Emphasizes the importance of youth as a valuable link in India-Bangladesh relations. India has always expressed its confidence in the potential of Bangladesh’s vibrant and dynamic youth to build closer ties between the two countries and establish strong bonds of friendship based on mutual respect and understanding. The Bangladesh Youth Delegation is a flagship program run under the International Youth Exchange between the Governments of India and Bangladesh.
The program promotes cultural exchange, leadership development, and people-to-people contacts between the neighboring countries. The Bangladesh Youth Delegation alumni contribute essential to their communities, nations, and the world through diverse backgrounds and experiences. Since its inception, the program has brought nearly 900 Bangladeshi youth and young women to visit India and foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.
India is working to advance bilateral trade with Bangladesh, including in the industrial and commercial, science and technology sectors. Apart from this, ongoing projects in Bangladesh, with India’s cooperation, are also underway. All projects, including Ashuganj and Akhaura projects, are ongoing. As before, India will continue bilateral relations with the Interim Government, and the loan from India will continue. There is no stoppage of work with India. India is interested in several other significant projects, including science and technology.
The Interim Government has reiterated that the Indian Line of Credit (LoC) projects will continue as they are essential for the development of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an attractive destination for investment and economic cooperation. India has acknowledged the issue and indicated that it will continue to cooperate. Efforts are underway to encourage more quality exports from Bangladesh to India. Besides trade, India assists in science and technology, scientific research, and laboratory development in Bangladesh. India is helping Bangladesh with defense equipment and technology. India will advance the development of Bangladesh’s defense system through full cooperation. India has identified defense industrial cooperation with Dhaka as an emerging focus area of bilateral partnership, including joint development and production.
At the same time, India is ready to assist Bangladesh in its defense modernization efforts. In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Make in India, make for the World, India has cooperated with Bangladesh. Bangladesh Armed Forces will benefit significantly from India’s defense equipment and technology. The people-to-people relationship between Bangladesh and India is now very much a bond of soul. Earlier, the flow of people towards India used to come only from Bangladesh; now, the picture has changed. The two countries are also ahead in trade, cultural activities, and educational exchange programs. The number of visa applicants for Bangladesh is increasing.
The foundation of mutual trust and cooperation between the leaders and people of these two friendly countries will ensure the two countries’ peace, prosperity, and security. There have been conspiracies about the Bangladesh-India friendship long ago, and this will continue to happen in the future. But all intrigues pushed, India-Bangladesh ties of friendship will move forward as they do. Also, these relations have reached such heights that bilateral relations between the two close neighbors are now a role model for the world.
Hiren Pandit is an Essayist and a Researcher