Geography will not allow Bangladesh and India to change. They share a long border, rivers, markets, security concerns, and the implications of each other’s political and economic policies. Geographical proximity is not only a historical fact, but also a strategic fact that will remain so for as long as history lasts. So, the issue before them is not whether the two nations should interact, but how the inevitable mutual dependence can turn into a mutually beneficial relationship. Good relations between Bangladesh and India matter not only for stability between the two nations but also for connectivity, economic development and security in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. A good relationship should be one of sovereign equality, respect, political trust, mutuality and mutual advantage to the people of both States. An important part of the bilateral historical bond is India, as it is the largest neighbour, an important trade partner and supported Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971.
Bangladesh and India are natural partners geographically. Its position gives Bangladesh strong connectivity to India’s north-eastern states and India access to the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh’s ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and expanding economy can contribute to regional connectivity. To achieve economic growth and diversification, Bangladesh can also benefit from access to Indian markets, energy cooperation, cross-border infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity. Cooperation on water is also essential to bilateral relations, and more than 50 rivers are shared between the two countries. Political boundaries are not recognised by river systems. Upstream water management, river flows, irrigation, and infrastructure can affect communities on both sides of the border. Cooperation on shared rivers is not only a diplomatic issue, but also one related to agriculture, livelihoods, food security and environmental protection.
The killings on the border have been many in number; there have been irregular push-ins as well as concerns about the treatment and dignity of the border communities, leading to public resentment in Bangladesh. Governments must increase accountability and build effective communication and practical mechanisms to prevent violence and address incidents. Economic relations also need to be more evenhanded and predictable. India is a significant trade partner of Bangladesh, but issues related to market access, non-tariff barriers, customs clearance and logistics need to be taken seriously. However, if market access is unequal and trade barriers are disproportionate, Bangladesh’s export potential can be curtailed, and opportunities for economic cooperation can be lost. These barriers should be best addressed by proper negotiations, a better customs interface, ease of movement of goods and a more predictable trade policy by both countries.
India’s role in Bangladesh’s internal politics could be the most sensitive political aspect of the relationship, at least in terms of perceptions. Political continuity could be seen as one of the most important factors in maintaining stability, security and the protection of India’s strategic interests. This is complicated by changing politics in Bangladesh and the loss of bilateral trust. Meanwhile, both governments need to accept that bilateral engagement is not just about one person’s political fate. Bangladesh–India relations are much broader than the relationship between particular leaders or governments. They involve millions of individuals, companies, border communities, students, employees and institutions. A good relationship should also be able to handle political disagreements and work together on shared problems.
Even if the two governments reach an agreement, implementing it can be difficult. The gap between the diplomatic perception and implementation is a major challenge. The two countries, in particular, agreed to extradite the suspects arrested in India in the murder case of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi under the bilateral extradition treaty. These cases illustrate, however, the need for agreed processes that deliver timely, credible outcomes. Bilateral mechanisms should be more effective and responsible in water management, water trade, border protection, energy and connectivity.
Another important opportunity is energy cooperation. Energy security and economic growth can be achieved through cross-border electricity trade, energy infrastructure and regional energy connectivity. However, this cooperation should be based on clear principles: equitable pricing, stable supply and mutual benefit. Similarly, improved connectivity will also reduce costs, enhance trade and connect Bangladesh with the North-Eastern part of India, as well as Nepal and Bhutan. These opportunities should increase economic ties, not create one-sided dependence.
It is the country’s right to diversify its foreign relations. This reflects its foreign policy choices and priorities in its relationships with China, Japan, the United States, the European Union, and other countries. Diversification is not synonymous with hostility towards India. Instead, it is a sensible approach to increase economic opportunities, attract investment, establish infrastructure and build national capacity.
India needs to understand the fact that a more economically prosperous and internationalized Bangladesh can contribute to regional prosperity as well. Conversely, Bangladesh’s geographical and economic dependence on India makes it imperative to engage with India positively. Dhaka’s quest for strategic autonomy and New Delhi’s regional ambitions don’t have to be conflicting. They can coexist as long as both countries recognise and respect each other’s sovereignty and legitimate interests. India must have a positive relationship with Bangladesh on multiple fronts – security and economic prosperity of its north-eastern states, connectivity in the region, the shared challenges, and India’s bigger agenda of taking command of the Indo-Pacific region. Good relations with India are vital for Bangladesh, regarding water security, trade, energy supply, border management and regional cooperation. Political distrust is no asset to either nation when pursuing these shared goals.
A more pragmatic diplomatic approach is required to move forward. First, sovereign trust requires trust in the domestic political processes and respect for democratic aspirations in both countries. Second, they need to make substantial positive strides in the joint management of rivers such as the Teesta and improve cooperation on other transboundary rivers. Third, dignity, accountability and avoiding unnecessary loss of life must remain central to border management. Fourth, economic cooperation should be based on reciprocity, predictable policies and fair market access. In addition, current bilateral agreements need to be implemented through stronger institutions and concrete commitments. Diplomacy, however, is not a feeling-based activity. It is based on the concept of national interest, which considers a state’s power, capabilities, and long-term strategic interests. There should be no sense of history or political frustration in pursuing policy toward India. In the same way, India should build sustainable regional influence not through geographical proximity or power disparities, but through trust, respect and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Bangladesh and India share the same geography, but they can change how they use it. They can share their rivers without fear; they can share borders for trade; they can share markets to prosper. Good relations between the two countries are not a favour done to the other country. Both need each other as a strategic necessity. It will depend on how far both sides are willing to go towards sovereignty as equals and their ability to face difficult issues and achieve tangible results that can be recognised by the citizens. Co-operation is needed in Geography. This will only result in a lasting partnership if trust, reciprocity and political wisdom prevail.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is a Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Director, Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies-Bangladesh Center (RCASBC). Email: [email protected]
