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

[Saif]

PM’S India Visit: Defence, Teesta project, port likely to be on agenda

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 will focus on some key issues in bilateral relations that have regional geopolitical significance.

www.thedailystar.net

PM'S India Visit: Defence, Teesta project, port likely to be on agenda
Both sides finalising several deals, MoUs, say diplomatic sources

File photo of PM Sheikh Hasina/PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 will focus on some key issues in bilateral relations that have regional geopolitical significance.

Issues such as water, port and defence will be discussed, The Daily Star has learnt from diplomatic sources in Dhaka and New Delhi.

Fresh loans from India under a new framework will also be high on the agenda of the bilateral talks as Bangladesh grapples with a crunch in foreign currency reserves, they said.

Besides, the Myanmar crisis, especially the intense fighting in Rakhine State, will feature prominently during the delegation-level meeting between Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

The Bangladesh premier is scheduled to reach New Delhi in the afternoon tomorrow. On June 22, she will hold the delegation-level meeting centring on a new phase in the bilateral relationship, a diplomat told The Daily Star yesterday.

The two countries are finalising several agreements and memorandums of understanding that may be signed during Hasina's tour of India.

TEESTA PROJECT

The issue of funding for the "Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project" will feature prominently in the talks, according to diplomatic sources in Dhaka and New Delhi.

The agreement was finalised in 2011, but could not be inked due to opposition from West Bengal.

The Economic Relations Division sought a $983.27 million loan from China to implement the Teesta project, which includes river dredging, setting up reservoirs and building townships along the river.

On October 13, 2022, then-Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said his country was serious about implementing the project, but also had a sense of reluctance due to sensitive issues surrounding it.

During a visit to Dhaka on May 9, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra told Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud that India was interested in financing the Teesta project.

On June 13, Hasina told the parliament that the government was considering a proposal for a detailed feasibility study for the Teesta project as China's evaluation pointed out that there was a lack of detailed proposals on land development and water navigation.

"Our government needs to know whether India would sign the Teesta water sharing agreement because the river restoration and management project would depend on this," said Faiz Ahmad, a former ambassador of Bangladesh to China.

India and China also can fund different components of the project, said Ahmad, also a former chair of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.

A diplomat in New Delhi said the two prime ministers will also discuss the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty that was signed in 1996. The treaty is set to expire in 2026.

To be continued.............​

 

[Saif]

MONGLA PORT

India is keen to manage the Mongla river port, which is crucial for better connectivity between Kolkata and India's north-eastern states, said a diplomatic source in New Delhi.

According to a report in India's The Economic Times, India has shown interest in managing Mongla port as it aligns with the country's broader strategy to counter China's expanding influence in the region.

It should not be an issue if Bangladesh gives the port handling work to India, Ahmad said.

"Japan is already working on Matarbari deep sea port, and China can manage the Payra Port in Patuakhali. But we need to be careful so that we don't upset anyone by satisfying another," he added.

India is also keen to develop an alternative network of railway routes through Bangladesh to connect its northeast with the rest of the country. This would reduce India's reliance on the existing route through Siliguri, according to a report by The Times of India.

"Detailed negotiation on such projects is needed to know whether Indian trains will run on Bangladesh's territory and whether Bangladesh's trains can use India's territories," Ahmad said.

According to sources, India may in principle approve the supply of electricity from Bhutan to Bangladesh using its power grid.

India is also likely to push for defence equipment sales to Bangladesh under the $500 million line of credit.

Bangladesh will seek smooth supply of essentials like wheat, sugar and onions from India.

The two leaders may also announce the launch of formal negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), said Bangladesh foreign ministry sources.

The issue of border killings will also be on the agenda.​

 

[Saif]

Invest in Bangladesh, PM tells Indian businesspersons

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today invited Indian businesspersons to invest in Bangladesh, stating that she prioritises neighbouring countries

www.thedailystar.net

Invest in Bangladesh, PM tells Indian businesspersons

Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today invited Indian businesspersons to invest in Bangladesh, stating that she prioritises neighbouring countries.

"You come to Bangladesh and make investment," she said while interacting with a delegation of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which called on her in New Delhi this evening.

The PM's private industry and investment affairs adviser Salman F Rahman while talking to the media said the prime minister reiterated that she believes in "neighbourhood first" and she prioritises neighbouring countries of Bangladesh for trade, business, and investment.

Hasina pointed out that Bangladesh is developing 100 special economic zones and the Indian entrepreneurs can invest there.

Salman said the CII delegation told Hasina that they, in collaboration with the FBCCI, want to work in various sectors in Bangladesh, in agriculture, IT, and logistics.

He said Bangladesh businessmen raised the issues of non-tariff barriers and told the CII delegation to call upon the Indian government to address the issues.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, Nitol Niloy Group Chairman Abdul Matlub Ahmad, Pran-RFL Group Chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury and some other Bangladeshi businessmen also participated in the meeting.

Besides, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited Sanjiv Puri, Director General of CII Chandrajit Banerjee, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited Shobana Kamineni, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, CEO of Dabur India Limited Mohit Malhotra,CEO (Energy) of Adani Power Limited Deepak Amitabh, Executive Director and COO of Saankhya Labs Vishwakumara Kayargadde were among those present.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina, Jaishankar for advancing India-Bangladesh partnership

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for sustained dialogues between Bangladesh and India to exchange ideas and experiences to help overcome the challenges in their journey towards economic development

www.thedailystar.net

Hasina, Jaishankar for advancing India-Bangladesh partnership

Photo: X/Dr S Jaishankar

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for sustained dialogues between Bangladesh and India to exchange ideas and experiences to help overcome the challenges in their journey towards economic development.

"We could exchange our experiences, and the challenges we are experiencing for our economic development. And we could resolve those through dialogues," she told Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who called on her at Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi.

PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah briefed reporters after the meeting and said the two leaders discussed to advance the partnership between the two countries after forming the new governments in the two countries.

"The two new governments [in India and Bangladesh] have come to power taking mandates [of the people]. So, new visions will be there in the two countries," he said.

Jaishankar said the relations between Bangladesh and India have moved to such a height that it could take off for a new chapter. And that could be done in the area of trade, Tofazzel said.

Jaishankar said India wants to work with Bangladesh in a more substantive way in the sectors of logistics, energy, and connectivity.

Hasina and Jaishankar agreed to strengthen BIMSTEC saying it would be beneficial for Bangladesh in trade, connectivity, and digitisation.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wanted to go beyond South Asia. That means we have to simultaneously look at South East Asia to work with," said Toffazel.

The PM emphasised expediting the completion of pending developmental projects involving the two neighbouring countries. Both agreed on this issue, Tofazzel said.

On the Rohingya issue, the principal secretary said border areas of Bangladesh and India are being hit by the ongoing fighting between Myanmar government and rebel groups.​

 

[Saif]

AL starts celebrating 75th anniversary with procession

The Awami League has launched its 75th founding anniversary celebrations with a possession in Dhaka. Leaders and activists from local units in the capital gathered at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Ramna on Friday afternoon and marched to Dhanmondi 32 after a brief rally, reports bdne

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Hasina's Visit: It's very important; both sides have a lot of expectations, says India
Published :
Jun 21, 2024 18:02
Updated :
Jun 21, 2024 18:02

India has said they are committed to "deepen and strengthen" the "very special partnership" that they have with Bangladesh as the two leaders are set to discuss all the issues on Saturday for a broader cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
"It is a very important visit for us. Both sides have a lot of expectations because the relationship is so special and so friendly," Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

Tomorrow, he said, all will get to know the details about the discussions, MoUs and agreements that are likely to be signed.

"But both sides are committed to deepen and strengthen the very special partnership," said the MEA Spokesperson.

At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on Friday as part of her two-day state visit to India.

This is the first incoming bilateral state visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections, said the MEA spokesperson.

He said there will be a post-visit press engagement and journalists will be able to know all the details on issues that the two sides would agree to do together on trade, connectivity and defence fronts.

During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call-on Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9, 2024.

A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourage members landed at Palam Airport in New Delhi at 3:29pm (local time).

Earlier, the flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:00pm.

Indian Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and also Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman received Sheikh Hasina at the airport.

The prime minister was welcomed by traditional folks dancing there.

Both sides of the roads were decorated with the flags of Bangladesh and India, and placards of Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi.

Various types of placards in different languages welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were seen on both sides of the roads from Palam Airport to Hotel Taj Palace.

This is the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive term.

During the visit, both the premiers will have a tête-à-tête (one to one meeting) followed by delegation level talks, and then Dhaka and New Delhi would sign several agreements and Memorandum of understandings to strengthen the existing bilateral ties further.

Additionally, discussions on a potential trade pact are expected. Over the past decade, numerous cross-border initiatives have been launched as part of a robust regional partnership plan.

This visit will be Hasina's second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, as she was among the dignitaries invited to Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

Sheikh Hasina has amply proved that she can even sacrifice her own country's national interest for the sake of India's support to keep her at the helm of power in Bangladesh. She has chosen India as a partner for defense, space science, nuclear technology and Teesta River Management project. She, on the other hand, has subtracted China from Teesta, nuclear and space science projects. Shame on her

India's MEA details outcomes of Hasina-Modi summit

Bangladesh and India today agreed to work for the conservation and management of the Teesta river inside Bangladesh with Indian assistance within a mutually agreed timeframe and remain engaged to formulate the framework for interim water-sharing based on the recommendations of the Joint Rivers...

www.thedailystar.net

India's MEA details outcomes of Hasina-Modi summit

Bangladesh and India today agreed to work for the conservation and management of the Teesta river inside Bangladesh with Indian assistance within a mutually agreed timeframe and remain engaged to formulate the framework for interim water-sharing based on the recommendations of the Joint Rivers Commission.

This was contained in a 14-paragraph document called "Shared Vision for Future: Enhancing Connectivity, Commerce and Collaboration for Shared Prosperity" issued after talks between Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi in New Delhi, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"Recognising the importance of water resource management in our bilateral relationship, we will continue to engage in prioritising the exchange of data and formulating the framework for interim water sharing based on the recommendations of the Joint Rivers Commission," according to the document.

It said the two countries welcomed the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 and, as part of development cooperation.

The document said as part of sub-regional connectivity initiatives, India will extend transit facilities for the movement of Bangladesh goods to Nepal and Bhutan through the railway network.

The two countries decided to commence goods-train service from Gede-Darshana through Chilahati-Haldibari up to Hasimara via Dalgaon railhead (as and when operationalised) at the India-Bhutan border.

As part of sub-regional connectivity initiatives, India will extend transit facilities for the movement of Bangladesh goods to Nepal and Bhutan through the railway network. We are committed to the early operationalisation of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement to promote sub-regional connectivity.

The two countries today signed a new MoU on railway connectivity as well as the decision to commence goods-train service from Gede-Darshana through Chilahati-Haldibari up to Hasimara via Dalgaon railhead (as and when operationalised) at India-Bhutan border.

Bangladesh and India resolved to continue to expand their power and energy collaboration and together develop intra-regional electricity trade, including competitively-priced power generated from clean energy projects in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, through the Indian electricity grid.

To this end, the two countries decided to expedite the construction of a 765kV high-capacity interconnection between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar with Indian funding to act as the anchor for grid connectivity.

The document said that based on availability and to the best of its abilities, India will support Bangladesh with the supply of essential commodities.

To be continued....................​

 

[Saif]

Appreciating the significant role of the two countries in ensuring peace, stability and harmony in the region, Bangladesh and India decided to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with a long-term perspective.

"In line with the plans for the modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, we will explore defence industrial cooperation for modernisation of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, to strengthen their capability for defence. We will continue to work closely with Bangladesh for our multifaceted military engagements of exercises, training and capability development," said the document.

In their wide-ranging discussions, Hasina and Modi "recognised that the India-Bangladesh partnership, which is founded on deep historical, linguistic, cultural, and economic linkages has strengthened in the last decade inspired by the spirit of their shared sacrifices of 1971 and guided by their new aspirations of the 21st century.

"This is reflective of an all-encompassing partnership that transcends a strategic partnership, built upon shared values and interests, equality, trust and understanding and rooted in mutual sensitivity to each other's aspirations and concerns," it said.

"To realize the immense potential of this extra-ordinary relationship and to turn it into a transformational partnership for mutual benefits and prosperity of their people and the entire region, the two leaders have jointly articulated their following Shared Vision for peace, prosperity and development of the two neighbours and the entire region, driven by connectivity, commerce and collaboration," according to the document.

It said the two countries shared the conviction that "our progress and prosperity are interlinked and reaffirm our mutual desire to guide India-Bangladesh ties to a new era of future-oriented partnership, for which we recognise each other as indispensable partners in realizing our respective national development visions of 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and 'Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041'."

As a close and valued neighbour with rapidly growing capabilities, Bangladesh is at the converging point of India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, "Act East" policy, SAGAR (Security and Growth) doctrine and the Indo-Pacific vision and an indispensable partner in the development of India's northeastern region, read the document.

"On the other hand, Bangladesh values its relationship with India as the closest and friendly neighbour. Bangladesh considers India as an important partner in the pursuit of its Neighborhood Foreign Policy for ensuring shared peace and prosperity," said the document.

The two countries vowed to "pursue a transformative partnership that advances the shared interests in promoting multi-faceted connectivity for both our countries as well as the entire region by transforming our geographical proximity into new economic opportunities."

To be continued................​

 

[Saif]

"This will include connectivity in its broadest form – physical connectivity covering multi-modal transport and cross-border trade and transit infrastructure for seamless cross-border movement of people, goods and services, as well as energy connectivity and digital connectivity," as per the document.

It said that "underlining the pivotal role played by emerging technologies to build inclusive, sustainable and digitally empowered societies and to bring larger benefits to people of both the countries, Bangladesh and India are forging a new paradigm for future-oriented partnership through a 'Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership' and 'Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future'."

"These will build a transformative collaboration between India and Bangladesh by leveraging green and digital technologies to foster economic growth, sustainable and climate-resilient development, environmental conservation, cross-border digital interchange and regional prosperity," said the document.

The two countries agreed to collaborate on frontier technologies, including civil nuclear, oceanography, and space technology. "To this end, we will partner in joint development of a small satellite for Bangladesh and its launch using an Indian launch vehicle," it said.

Resolving to work towards promoting the prosperity of the people of the two countries, Bangladesh and India agreed to strengthen trade and investment linkages with each other, including through early commencement of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), early operationalization of two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offered by Bangladesh to India in Mongla and Mirsharai, opening of new border-haats, trade facilitation to enhance bilateral trade, improving road, rail, air, and maritime connectivity and trade infrastructure.

"We will also encourage and support our private sector to seek new investment opportunities in each other's priority areas of economic development."

The two countries also decided to conclude a new Framework Agreement for Development Partnership, which will expand the reach of cross-border projects and programmes in line with the priorities of the people and the government of Bangladesh and the long-term vision of closer connectivity.

"We will work together to expand our capacity building programme for civil services, judicial officers, police and other specialized services of Bangladesh," it added.

Recognising the shared cultural and historical heritage and vibrant people-to-people ties, the two countries decided to nurture existing linkages by promoting exchanges of Muktijoddhas, scholars, academics, artistes, tourists, students and youth.

India will further raise the level of its support to Muktijoddhas and their families with new programmes for medical and educational support.

Recognising the contribution of Bangladesh-India partnership to peace, security and stability in the region, the two countries reiterated their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Recognising the vulnerability of the region to adverse impacts of climate change, the two countries decided to jointly lead the "Disaster Risk Reduction and Management" pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and cooperate to mitigate disaster risks, build disaster-resilient infrastructure, and contribute to the sustenance of our shared maritime region.

The document said Bangladesh and India, with their wide-ranging bilateral cooperation, envision the relationship to become a major anchor for regional and sub-regional integration under BIMSTEC, SAARC and Indian Ocean Regional architectures.

"We will work together on global platforms to promote our common interests, especially the interests of Global South," it added.

The document said there was a need for Bangladesh and India to take their ties to a deeper and higher quality level based on mutual trust and benefit in the coming days.​