[🇧🇩] Indo-Bangla Relation: India's Regional Ambition, Geopolitical Reality, and Strategic Options For Bangladesh

G Bangladesh Defense
[🇧🇩] Indo-Bangla Relation: India's Regional Ambition, Geopolitical Reality, and Strategic Options For Bangladesh
Saif
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Bilal9 said:
I think the govt. of India should come out and declare complete trade boycott of Bangladesh. Like immediately.

I'd like to see that rightaway - and probably crores of people in Bangladesh are expecting that too.

Please don't keep Bangladeshis in suspense!

Let's see how the Sarojini Hawker market association and Delhi Vyapaar Sangh can decide the fate of Indian trade with Bangladesh. :D
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Maintaining ambiguity is a special type of diplomacy. India may be practicing that.

Is ambiguity an effective diplomatic tool? - Diplo

The blog post looks into the strategic use of ambiguous language in diplomacy, weighing its potential for flexibility against the risks of misinterpretation. It illustrates how ambiguity can be a double-edged sword, enabling diplomats to navigate sensitive issues while also posing challenges for...
www.diplomacy.edu www.diplomacy.edu

What India practicing with BD seems to be Duck Diplomacy. In this sort of diplomacy, it appears from outside that nothing is happening like a duck floating in a pond. However, inside the water, its legs are moving which are not visible from outside.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://connectingthroughculture.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/3/6/27365241/duck_diplomacy_.pdf
 
www.thedailystar.net

Bridging borders, building futures

To repair the fragile ties between our nations, the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh can consider the following recommendations.
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Bridging borders, building futures

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Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at a meeting with a Bangladeshi delegation in Dhaka on December 9, 2024. SOURCE: FOREIGN MINISTRY

By the capricious grace of geography and the unyielding heft of history, Bangladesh and India are bound together, like conjoined twins linked by the same lifeblood, the rivers that course through our lands and the shared tragedies and triumphs of our past. Yet today, this bond stands strained, frayed by the abrasions of mistrust, poisoned by the venom of misinformation and tested by the heavy tread of political opportunism.

To repair the fragile ties between our nations, the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh can consider the following recommendations, which are neither lofty abstractions nor partisan posturing—they are pragmatic imperatives aimed at staving off discord and building anew the bridges of cooperation. For the truth is plain: our nations have too much to lose from estrangement and far more to gain from solidarity.

Few nations in the world are so inescapably entwined as ours, and nowhere is this more evident than along our 4,096-kilometre border—a serpentine demarcation that is both a meeting point and a wound. Here, life plays out in sharp contradictions: smuggling routes that mock official trade channels, familial ties that transcend barbed wire, and, most tragically, the bodies of Bangladeshis struck down by Border Security Force (BSF) bullets, suspended grotesquely on fences of steel and cruelty.

This border, this scar etched into our shared flesh, must transform.

The chief adviser, as the head of the government, can form a national advisory committee comprising political leaders, civil society actors and government officials to collectively address the challenges of this volatile frontier. Through this body, grassroots tours can bring policymakers into direct contact with affected communities, fostering trust and countering the malignancies of misinformation. Cross-border trade zones, rather than barriers, can offer hope—economic lifelines replacing the smuggling networks that thrive in the absence of legitimate opportunity.

Our rivers are capricious, nurturing and destructive, soothing and raging, unifiers and dividers. The Teesta, in particular, has become the site of a festering dispute—a river of life turned into a stream of acrimony. Without equitable sharing, the drought-stricken farmers of northern Bangladesh face ruin, their fields barren and cracked under the sun's merciless gaze. Time-bound negotiations grounded in science and fairness can be pursued. The lessons of the Mekong River Commission, considered a triumph of regional cooperation, should guide us.

The challenge of water-sharing is inseparable from the spectre of climate change, whose rising seas and erratic rains are rewriting the rules of survival. Only through collaboration can our nations protect the rivers that sustain us.

Trade ought to be the beating heart of our economic partnership. Instead, it has become a sore point, a battlefield of imbalance. Indian goods dominate Bangladeshi markets, while our exports are stymied by bureaucratic red tape and thinly veiled protectionism. This asymmetry is not just an economic grievance; it is a political irritant, fuelling resentment and weakening the ties that bind us. Both governments must seize the opportunity for economic symbiosis. Bangladesh must gain greater access to Indian markets, especially in textiles, pharmaceuticals and IT—sectors where our industries have proven their mettle.

Simultaneously, attracting Indian investment in Bangladeshi infrastructure and energy projects can create jobs and foster goodwill. Trade need not be a zero-sum game; it can—and must—be a shared triumph.

During the upheaval of the July-August mass movement, as Bangladesh's youth rose against tyranny, voices from across the border joined the chorus. Indian students and activists stood in solidarity, reminding us of 1971, when India's people helped millions of Bangladeshi refugees and lent their strength to our struggle for freedom. This solidarity must not be a fleeting memory; it must become the foundation of a new chapter.

There can be robust youth and cultural exchanges, creating networks of understanding that transcend political turbulence. Universities, think tanks, and student unions can collaborate on shared challenges, from climate resilience to democratic renewal. Let the bridges we build in classrooms and seminar halls fortify the bridges of diplomacy and trade.

In this era of information warfare, narratives can shape nations. Bangladesh has been vilified and misrepresented in Indian media, and our responses have too often lacked coherence and reach. The stakes of this propaganda are high, threatening to deepen mistrust and derail dialogue. A comprehensive media strategy can be adopted, comprising regular rebuttals in international outlets, special press briefings in English and other global languages, and proactive engagement with the Bangladeshi diaspora to amplify our truths. Dialogues with Indian journalists and opinion leaders can help recalibrate the narrative, fostering a culture of mutual respect rather than mutual suspicion.

The most dangerous frontier, however, is not a physical one. It is the war of words, the rhetoric of division. Indian political leaders, particularly those of the BJP, have indulged in sabre-rattling, their inflammatory statements echoed by an ever-obliging media. In West Bengal, even Mamata Banerjee's once conciliatory tones have hardened, amplifying hostility rather than harmony. But let us not answer fire with fire. Let Bangladesh take the higher road, countering rhetoric with reason and aggression with appeals to our shared humanity. We must remind the people of India that our futures are brighter together than apart.

In a world besieged by authoritarianism, Bangladesh and India must reaffirm their commitment to democracy. For us, this means holding free and fair elections, inviting international observers, including those from India, to bear witness. Transparency will not only bolster our democratic credentials but also silence the voices of scepticism and distrust.

The rivers we share, the markets we trade, and the ideals we uphold bind Bangladesh and India in a destiny too profound to be undone by petty politics or misplaced pride. This moment of tension is also a moment of choice. Will we drift further into estrangement, or will we rise to the promise of partnership? The answer lies in dialogue, in understanding, and in the courage to build anew where old structures have crumbled.

Let us turn borders into bridges, water disputes into lifelines, and trade imbalances into engines of shared prosperity. Let us replace the ink of animosity with the spirit of unity, writing a new chapter in the history of Bangladesh-India relations—one of hope, trust and shared triumph. This is not just a diplomatic necessity; it is a moral imperative. It is a story worth telling and a future worth fighting for.

Bobby Hajjaj is a political activist and academic.​
 
Krishna with Flute said:
The question you should ask yourself is how that Oppressed (in your language) minority got the courage to burn 59 Majority guys alive? Had this incident happened elsewhere, they would have finished off the minority.
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You cannot punish the whole community for the crimes of a few. In a civilized world, people expect that law of the land will be applied only to those who are responsible for the crimes. But in Gujarat, the whole Muslim community was attacked by the Hindu terrorists and they even killed the infants. What small babies did to deserve horrifying deaths?
 
Saif said:
You cannot punish the whole community for the crimes of a few. In a civilized world, people expect that law of the land will be applied only to those who are responsible for the crimes. But in Gujarat, the whole Muslim community was attacked by the Hindu terrorists and they even killed the infants. What small babies did to deserve horrifying deaths?
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They are called communal riots.

There is no reasoning. Or calibrated responses.

You see someone of the other community, you kill. Or be killed.

Many Hindus also died in those riots. It was not a one way killing.

Why am I explaining this to a Bangladeshi?

Because I'm bored.
 
Saif said:
You cannot punish the whole community for the crimes of a few. In a civilized world, people expect that law of the land will be applied only to those who are responsible for the crimes. But in Gujarat, the whole Muslim community was attacked by the Hindu terrorists and they even killed the infants. What small babies did to deserve horrifying deaths?
Click to expand...

No Community was punished. It was post train burning riots in which 270 Hindus and 700 Muslims died. You are crying because of more numbers of Muslims died. I think you should have an iota of sympathy for those Kashmiri Pundits who were butchered, cleansed on religious ground and valley was made free from Pundits. You should have some concern for Hindus reduced to couple of percentage from 21% in Pakistan and from 31% to 8% in BD. You guys are expert in pointing figures and others and blaming others exactly for the acts which you guys do with minorities.
 
Krishna with Flute said:
You should have some concern for Hindus reduced to couple of percentage from 21% in Pakistan and from 31% to 8% in BD. You guys are expert in pointing figures and others and blaming others exactly for the acts which you guys do with minorities.
Click to expand...
You should not blame Bangladesh for the reduction of Hindus since 1947. Bangladesh won't take the blame for whatever happened to the Hindus before her independence.
 
www.thedailystar.net

A wake-up call for India’s strategic interests

By respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and prioritising dialogue, India can strengthen its position as a reliable partner.
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A wake-up call for India’s strategic interests

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FILE VISUAL: FATIMA JAHAN ENA

The political upheaval in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 marked a turning point in the nation's history. A massive student-led uprising, backed by a wide spectrum of the population, toppled Sheikh Hasina's long-standing authoritarian regime. This movement culminated in the formation of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. The uprising was a response to years of frustration under Sheikh Hasina's administration, characterised by corruption, institutional decay, and the suppression of dissent.

During Sheikh Hasina's tenure, her policies often favoured India, granting it substantial economic and strategic benefits—at the expense of Bangladesh's own interests. Critics likened this dynamic to quasi-colonialism. In return, Hasina relied on India's support to maintain her grip on power, despite growing domestic opposition.

Despite Sheikh Hasina's total trust in India's support to safeguard her regime, she had to face the reality that India ultimately declined even to dispatch an aircraft for her rescue. This turn of events highlighted the pitfalls of over-reliance on foreign powers rather than cultivating domestic legitimacy.

Her removal was seen as a strategic blow by India. Faced with an unfamiliar political landscape in Dhaka, Indian policymakers seemed uncertain about their next steps.

Following Hasina's ouster, a section of the Indian media delved into a widespread disinformation campaign, alleging that massive atrocities were being carried out against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Claims of killings, rape, and attacks on Hindu temples were circulated to depict as though Bangladesh was spiralling into chaos and extremism. However, most of these allegations were entirely unfounded.

For example, ABP Ananda, a subsidiary of West Bengal's Anandabazar Patrika, aired a video showing police brutality against students on August 5, but it was misleadingly presented as evidence of Hindu oppression. Similarly, a video claimed to be circulated by RT India showed attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh. However, verification revealed that the footage actually depicted a religious festival in West Bengal, India.

Despite the interim government's urging to extradite her, India continues to allow Sheikh Hasina—an alleged violator of human rights with an active arrest warrant issued by a competent court—to disseminate propaganda and incite civil unrest in Bangladesh. By openly facilitating activities intended to demonise the interim government, India is disregarding international norms, undermining peace and security, and fuelling hostility.

Such misinformation campaigns not only distort reality but also risk inflaming communal tensions. The Indian media has even featured commentary advocating military intervention in Bangladesh under the guise of "protecting minorities" or securing strategic interests. Speculative suggestions include occupying areas like Chattogram or regions near the Siliguri Corridor.

Despite the provocative nature of these claims, the Indian authorities have taken no action to discourage such rhetoric, raising questions about their adherence to international norms. However, India recently clarified that the government was not responsible for the activities of the media outlets that have been spreading disinformation.

Domestically, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to be leveraging these narratives to strengthen Hindu nationalist sentiment in their favour. Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress and Trinamool Congress, have echoed similar rhetoric to appeal to the Hindu majority electorate. This tactic may temporarily unify the Hindu vote but risks long-term damage to India's regional relationships.

On an international level, if India continues to view misinformation as a strategic tool to retain influence on Bangladesh by undermining the credibility of its interim government, it will be counterintuitive. This strategy overlooks a critical reality: the more pressure India applies, the more the people of Bangladesh, including its minority communities, unify against its interference. It reflects the same miscalculation India made by exclusively supporting the Sheikh Hasina regime, disregarding the will of the Bangladeshi people.

Bangladesh is not just a neighbour but a vital trading and security partner whose stability directly affects India's northeastern states. Escalating tensions could destabilise the region, harm economic ties, and push Bangladesh closer to other global powers eager to fill the vacuum left by India's waning influence. India's dominant posture in South Asia has already strained its relationships with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal among others. A similar trajectory with Bangladesh risks further isolation, undermining India's long-term strategic objectives.

The recent visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka—four months after the interim government took office—provides some room for optimism, however. The Indian foreign secretary said they wanted to "carry on from where we left off" and that they "have to do business with the government of the day." Indeed, constructive engagement, based on mutual respect and shared goals, would benefit both nations. A stable and prosperous Bangladesh is critical for regional security and economic interdependence.

Hence, India should focus on fostering trust and rebuilding ties. By respecting Bangladesh's sovereignty and prioritising dialogue, India can strengthen its position as a reliable partner, safeguarding its interests in South Asia. To realise its aspirations for superpower status, India must prioritise cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and genuine partnership; only then can it secure its place as a stable and respected leader in the region.

Saifur Rahman is a senior IT specialist and certified professional, Australian Computer Society.​
 
www.thedailystar.net

India supports democratic, inclusive Bangladesh: MEA spokesperson

During a weekly media briefing on December 20, the MEA spokesperson said they have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh
www.thedailystar.net www.thedailystar.net

India supports democratic, inclusive Bangladesh: MEA spokesperson

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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said they support a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh.

"That is our approach to Bangladesh and our ties with Bangladesh, and as a democracy also," said official spokesperson at the MEA Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question on election issues in Bangladesh.

During a weekly media briefing on December 20, the MEA spokesperson said they have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh based on "mutual trust, respect, and mutual sensitivity" to each other's concerns and interests.

Jaiswal referred to recent Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries where they had a range of talks and they have very clearly defined their approach towards their ties with Bangladesh.

"We've also emphasised that the people of Bangladesh are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity building and such activities are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh," he said.

One of the reporters wanted to India's stance on Adviser Mahfuj Alam's recent Facebook post.

In reply, the MEA spokesperson said they have taken this up with the Bangladesh government.

"We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal said.

While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation, he said.

"And once again to repeat that we have strongly protested against this with the Bangladesh government," Jaiswal said.

He said India follows all developments which have a bearing on their security and interest very closely. "And we take these things very seriously and take action as appropriate."​
 
www.newagebd.net

Reciprocity needs to be at heart

THE recent political changeover in Bangladesh and the ongoing misinformation campaign by Indian media has significantly strained the bilateral relationship. India’s giving shelter to the deposed prime minister...
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Reciprocity needs to be at heart
by Mohammad Rashed Alam Bhuiyan 21 December, 2024, 00:00

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THE recent political changeover in Bangladesh and the ongoing misinformation campaign by Indian media has significantly strained the bilateral relationship. India’s giving shelter to the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina after the August 5 changes has deepened the disappointment of Bangladeshis towards India. The persistent propagation of minority grievances by the Indian media, often without supporting facts or credible evidence, has further fuelled a growing instability in bilateral relations.

The furore in India over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader based in Chattogram, harms the spirit of goodwill and mutual understanding between the two neighbours. More than 50 demonstrators reportedly stormed and damaged the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, Tripura, which amounts to the violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Such developments, alongside long-standing grievances such as India’s denial of a fair share of transboundary river waters for Bangladesh and the flooding in Bangladesh triggered by India’s release of water during the monsoon season have intensified negative public sentiment.

Additionally, frequent death of Bangladeshis along the border, the abduction of Bangladeshi fishermen from adjacent water bodies coupled with unjust transit and transshipment agreements, which largely go against Bangladesh’s interests, are viewed as manifestations of Indian neocolonialism in the post-1971 period. The issues collectively contribute to the strained bilateral relationship, amplifying distrust and dissatisfaction among Bangladeshis.

Furthermore, the Indian media have propagated misinformation regarding Bangladesh’s efforts to normalise trade relations with Pakistan. The reopening of shipping communications between Bangladesh and Pakistan has triggered a wave of fabricated stories on the Indian media. The claims lack credible evidence and are aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s efforts to engage in sovereign trade and diplomatic activities. As an independent and sovereign state, Bangladesh has every right to build and strengthen diplomatic and trade relations with any nation. Being a member of SAARC, there is no harm in normalising relations with Pakistan.

European nations like the United Kingdom and Germany fiercely fought during the world wars, yet they have since established close, cooperative relations and collaborated extensively under the European Union as partners in trade and development. India also maintains excellent diplomatic relations with numerous countries that share ties with Pakistan. India’s reservations about Bangladesh’s improving relations with Pakistan are, therefore, unjustified and illogical. Bangladesh has consistently supported cordial diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and this principle has been reaffirmed by the interim government’s stand— hurting no one and not allowing anyone to hurt Bangladesh. The approach underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to sovereignty, neutrality and peaceful cooperation in its international relations.

The ties between India and Bangladesh as well as the importance of maintaining good diplomacy, is too significant for both countries to allow the relationship to be damaged by emotionally charged decisions, misjudged policies or media-driven propaganda. It is in the best interests of both Bangladesh and India should preserve and strengthen their peaceful, coexistent relationship, founded on mutual respect, trust, reciprocity and non-interference.

In a recent statement, former Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has emphasised the need for India to engage with the current leadership in Bangladesh. Similarly, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain has stressed that India must address Dhaka’s concerns. It is good move that Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on December 10 to address the ongoing tension. Such exchanges of delegations, meeting and dialogues must continue to clear up misunderstandings and establish a new trajectory for a mutually beneficial, win-win partnership.

India has a significant consumer market in Bangladesh while Bangladesh imports substantial quantities of essential goods and industrial raw materials from India. Additionally, industries such as motor vehicles, transport and others have experienced significant growth over the years. It is also worth noting that a large number of Indians are employed in managerial positions in Bangladesh’s apparel industry, healthcare sector, restaurant businesses and other service industries. A large number of Bangladeshis also go to India for tourism and private-sector health care.

Any strain in bilateral relations will not, therefore, only adversely affect Bangladesh but also India. In recent times, calls to boycott Indian products have gained popularity among some segments of the Bangladesh population, driven by disappointment about India’s perceived zero-sum foreign policy towards its neighbours. Indian hegemonic policies have contributed to rising anti-Indian sentiment across South Asia, including countries such as the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Such developments highlight the need for India to adopt a more inclusive and cooperative approach to regional diplomacy, ensuring mutual benefits to all.

India, in particular, must take steps to identify and address sources of discontent within the Bangladeshi public. A key priority for India is to acknowledge the political changes in Bangladesh and move away from its perceived over-reliance on the Awami League. The general public perception in Bangladesh is that India has maintained ‘special relations’ with this political party, often viewed as serving India’s interests over Bangladesh’s. Moving forward, India should learn to engage constructively with the Bangladesh government and its people as a whole, rather than aligning with any single political entity, especially in the light of the evolving political landscape.

The interim government has expressed its strong commitment to maintaining the communal harmony and has implemented various initiatives to safeguard the civil security of minorities and all citizens. Despite such efforts, the ongoing propaganda by Indian media, stigmatising Bangladesh and exaggerating claims of minority oppression, has created mistrust and further fuelled negative public sentiment towards Delhi and its divisive politics. To improve relations between the two nations and their people, India must avoid falling into the trap of repeating the same strategic mistakes. It is imperative for India to urge its media to refrain from using derogatory language and baseless accusations against Bangladesh. It is high time that India recognised this growing concern and took corrective measures. Resolving long-standing bilateral issues is, however, essential for establishing a more equal and sustainable partnership. Outstanding issues such as the Teesta water treaty, the widening trade gap and border killings must be addressed promptly to meet the aspirations of Bangladeshis. Resolving these critical bilateral concerns is essential for achieving trade normalisation and fostering long-term economic growth between the two nations.

India should prioritise the resumption of the fullly-fledged visa operation and the issuance of visas to Bangladeshis. This would serve as a significant gesture towards thawing the strained bilateral relations and rebuilding mutual trust. The ongoing visa restrictions have already resulted in considerable losses for India’s inbound tourism sector and private healthcare businesses, as many Bangladeshis traditionally travel to India for medical treatment and leisure. Reopening visa services would not only enhance people-to-people connectivity but also provide substantial economic benefits for India. The steps would pave the way for improved relations, reinforcing goodwill and strengthening the foundations for a more collaborative and prosperous partnership.

The foundation of India-Bangladesh relations must be one of reciprocity and mutual respect that both nations must desire and actively work towards.

Mohammad Rashed Alam Bhuiyan is an assistant professor of political science in the University of Dhaka.​
 

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