Dr. Satyavan Saurabh
India-Bangladesh relations hold special significance in South Asian diplomacy. India’s political, military, and humanitarian support during Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 laid a strong foundation of friendship and trust between the two countries. Over the past five decades, significant progress has been made in many areas, including trade, security, energy, connectivity, water resources, and cultural exchange. India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and Bangladesh’s development-oriented foreign policy have further elevated the relationship. Nevertheless, recent years have witnessed signs of tension and mistrust between the two countries. This situation underscores the fact that relations with neighboring countries are shaped not only by strategic interests but also by sensitivities, public sentiments, and mutual respect.
India and Bangladesh share a border of approximately 4,096 kilometers, India’s longest land border with any neighboring country. The two countries share deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in land boundary agreements, border management, counter-terrorism cooperation, energy trade, and regional connectivity projects. Bangladesh is today a major trading partner of India and plays a vital role in connecting India’s northeastern region with the mainland. Therefore, trust and cooperation between the two countries are essential not only for bilateral stability but also for the stability and prosperity of South Asia as a whole.
Recent changes in Bangladesh’s domestic politics have impacted bilateral relations. Changes in power, political instability, and competition among various political parties have led to differing perceptions of India’s role. Some political groups in Bangladesh have developed a perception that India is more sympathetic to a particular political force, while India has consistently prioritized stability and development. Whether factually correct or not, such perceptions undermine the atmosphere of trust and create a psychological distance in relations.
The issue of sharing the Teesta River waters has long been a major point of contention between the two countries. For Bangladesh, the waters of the Teesta River are vital for agriculture and livelihoods. For many years, a proposed agreement has remained pending for various reasons, leading to a perception in Bangladesh that its concerns are not receiving the necessary priority. The role of states within India’s federal system also complicates the issue, but the delay in resolution has fueled mistrust. Building long-term trust appears difficult without equitable and sustainable management of water resources.
Border issues have also caused tensions in relations. Smuggling, illegal immigration, and border security challenges have often led to unpleasant incidents along the border. Incidents involving civilian casualties have generated widespread reactions in Bangladesh and have affected India’s image. Although the border security agencies of both countries are making efforts to enhance coordination, such incidents continue to create negative sentiments among the public. Borders between neighboring countries are not merely a matter of security but also involve human and social relations.
Issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have also raised concerns in Bangladesh. Although India has repeatedly clarified that these are internal policies, concerns have been expressed in Bangladesh that they could indirectly affect future relations between the two countries. In international relations, public perceptions of policies are often as important as their actual intent, which is why such issues sometimes become part of diplomatic debate.
China’s growing influence in South Asia is also a significant factor affecting India-Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh has expanded economic and infrastructure cooperation with several countries, including China, to meet its development needs. India naturally has concerns that excessive influence by an external power in the region could affect its strategic interests. Bangladesh, on the other hand, seeks to maintain balance in its foreign policy while attracting investment and technical assistance from various countries. In this situation, transparency and dialogue become crucial for both countries.
Trade imbalances are also a contributing factor to mistrust. Although bilateral trade is growing steadily, India appears to benefit relatively more. Bangladesh has long sought better access for its products to the Indian market and a reduction in non-tariff barriers. Persistent imbalances in economic relations can also affect political relations. Therefore, making the economic partnership more balanced and inclusive is the need of the hour.
Social media and digital platforms have also influenced relations. Today, misinformation, misleading propaganda, and content that incites nationalist sentiments spread rapidly. Even minor incidents are often exaggerated online, leading to misunderstandings among citizens of both countries. In such an environment, the responsibility of governments and media institutions to promote factual dialogue and effectively counter disinformation becomes even greater.
The biggest challenge facing India is to strike a balance between its strategic interests and the sensitivities of its neighbors. As a major regional power, India’s policies naturally affect its neighboring countries. Therefore, an approach focused solely on national interests is not sufficient. It is equally important to understand the concerns and expectations of neighboring states. Similarly, Bangladesh must understand that India’s security concerns, especially those related to its northeastern region, are of paramount importance. Both countries must respect each other’s legitimate concerns.
To restore trust, concrete steps are needed to resolve outstanding issues. Prioritizing the Teesta Water Treaty can send a positive message to both countries. Adopting a humanitarian approach to border management and increasing joint patrols and technical cooperation are also essential. To reduce the trade imbalance, Bangladeshi products can be given greater access to the Indian market. Accelerating energy, transportation, and connectivity projects can make the economies of both countries more interdependent.
It is also essential to regularize and institutionalize high-level political dialogue. When there is continuous communication between the top leadership of countries, the possibility of misunderstandings is reduced. People-to-people contacts should also be strengthened through education, culture, sports, media, and tourism. Trust between citizens is as important as trust between governments. Cultural proximity is a major strength of both countries and can be effectively utilized to strengthen relations.
Promoting cooperation through regional forums such as BIMSTEC and BBIN would also be beneficial. Regional cooperation based on shared economic and strategic interests can help reduce mistrust. Joint efforts in areas such as climate change, disaster management, maritime security, and energy cooperation could bring the two countries closer.
Ultimately, India-Bangladesh relations are not merely a partnership between two countries but a special relationship forged by history, culture, language, geography, and shared struggles. The tensions and mistrust that have emerged in recent years highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between sensitivities and strategic interests in relations with neighboring countries. Guided by a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and shared development, both countries can transform current challenges into opportunities. If India and Bangladesh rebuild their relationship on a renewed foundation of trust, bilateral ties will become stronger, and the path toward peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia will become even more secure.
(Dr. Satyavan Saurabh, PhD in Political Science, is a poet and social thinker.)
