DAILY

CLASS NOTES
International Relation
Unit 3 India-Bangladesh Relations

Topics to be covered:
z India-Bangladesh Relations
Unit 3 2

Space for Notes UNIT-3 : INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

“India has always stood for the prosperity of Bangladesh, we are a long standing and
trusted development partner of Bangladesh.” - Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.

Historical Background:
z Partition: The 1947 Partition of British India led to the creation of Pakistan, divided
into West and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
z Discrimination: The imposition of Urdu as the state language and limited resources for
East Pakistan fueled tensions and the
Bengali Language Movement.
z Awami League’s Victory: On 7
December 1970, Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman’s Awami League won a
landslide victory in East Pakistan’s
first general election.
z Humanitarian Crisis: In 1971, Pakistan
launched Operation Searchlight, leading
to a brutal crackdown and massive
humanitarian crisis.
z Indian Support: India supported the
Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi resistance),
aiding in Bangladesh’s independence
struggle.
z Instrument of Surrender: On 16
December 1971, Pakistan’s Lt Gen
Niazi signed the Instrument of
Surrender, leading to Bangladesh’s independence.
z Post-Independence: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became Bangladesh’s first leader. However,
his death in 1975 led to a military coup.
z Sheikh Hasina’s Rule: Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujib, led the Awami
League to power in 2009, holding office until August 2024.
z Protests: Student protests erupted against a 30% quota in government jobs for
descendants of freedom fighters, reflecting ongoing political tensions.

Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster From Power:

z The Razakars, who sided with the Pakistani army during the Liberation War, were
central to the controversy.
z Sheikh Hasina equated the protesters to “razakars,”. Her statement was challenged
by parties like Jamaat-e-Islami (earlier banned in Bangladesh due to anti-
Bangladesh rhetoric) who supported the students’ protest.
z New Government: Sheikh Hasina finally fled to India where she was provided political
asylum. A caretaker government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus.

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Relevance of Bangladesh for India: Space for Notes

Strategic Importance:
z Border: India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh, stretching over 4,096
kilometers, significantly impacting India’s border security.
 Resolving Border Disputes: The two countries signed a landmark Land Boundary
Agreement (LBA) in 2015, resolving long-standing territorial and maritime disputes,
including the exchange of enclaves.
 Water Sharing: They share 54 transboundary rivers, which require effective
management for mutual benefit, ensuring both water security and regional cooperation.

2015 Border Agreement

z The 2015 Border Agreement between India and Bangladesh led to the transfer of
111 border enclaves to Bangladesh in exchange for 51 enclaves becoming part of
India.
z India gained control over 500 acres, while Bangladesh received 10,000 acres. The
agreement also resolved the citizenship status of over 50,000 people residing in
these enclaves.
z Border Security: The porous border between the two countries poses significant
challenges, such as illegal migration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, especially
due to Bangladesh’s proximity to the Golden Triangle.
 The border also serves as a potential safe haven for
insurgents, which could destabilize India’s northeastern
states.
 Maintaining peace and stability in the border
regions, especially in India’s northeastern states, is
vital for national security.
z Connectivity of Northeastern States: The northeastern
region of India is geographically separated from the rest
of the country and is linked to the mainland by a
slender land strip known as the Siliguri Corridor or the “Chicken’s Neck”.
 Bangladesh can help in ending geographical isolation of India’s northeastern states.
Most of these northeastern states face
connectivity related issues.
z Maritime Security: Both countries have resolved
disputes related to the Exclusive Economic Zones
(EEZ), helping in the smooth management of
maritime resources.
 Bangladesh’s cooperation is essential for the
safety and security of Sea Lanes of
Communication (SLOCs), supporting the free
flow of global maritime trade, which is critical
for India’s economic and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Space for Notes  Bangladesh’s involvement is crucial in advancing the Blue Economy and supporting
India-led initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), IPOI
(Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative), and IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), BIMSTEC
fostering sustainable maritime development and regional cooperation in the Indo-
Pacific.

India Follow Rules Based Order:

z Bangladesh went to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) over the delimitation

of the maritime boundary under the United Nations Convention on Law of Sea
(UNCLOS) in 2009.
z The tribunal awarded Bangladesh 19,467 sq. km of the 25,602 sq. km sea area of

the Bay of Bengal in 2021. India accepted the decision.

China Does Not Follow Rules Based Order:
z In 2013, the Philippines lodged a complaint to the Permanent Court of Arbitration,

taking issue with China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea.
z The U.N.-backed tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and against China in 2016.

However, China treats the ruling as nothing more than “a piece of waste paper,”
in the words of its foreign minister.
z Defence Partnership: Bangladesh was provided USD 500 million Line of Credit to
import defence-related items from India.
 Military Exercises:

 Army Exercises: Sampriti is a defence cooperation exercise between India and

Bangladesh.
 Naval Exercises, Bongosagar: Bongosagar is a naval exercise between the two
countries.
 Naval Exercises, Milan: Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise between
India and Bangladesh.
z India and Bangladesh are also focusing on energy cooperation and multilateral
collaboration.
 In 2018, Russia, Bangladesh, and India signed a memorandum of cooperation for
the implementation of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project, the Rooppur
Nuclear Power Plant.
 India and Bangladesh actively collaborate through regional multilateral platforms
such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to
strengthen cooperation and promote shared development.

Lines of Credit to Neighbours:

z As of August 2024, out of the total LOCs of US$ 32 billion India has extended

LOCs worth US$ 7.862 billion to Bangladesh, US$ 1.65 billion to Nepal, more than
US$ 2 billion to Sri Lanka, US$ 745 million to Myanmar and US$ 1.43 billion to
Maldives.
Economic Relevance:
z Economic Importance: Bangladesh stands as India’s largest trading partner in South
Asia, making it a critical economic ally in the region.

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z Bilateral Trade: US$ 18 Space for Notes

Billion.
 Investment by India is US$
13 Billion.
z Large Market: As a rapidly
growing market, Bangladesh
offers substantial trade and
investment opportunities in
sectors like pharmaceuticals,
etc.
z Most Line of Credit:
Additionally, India has extended
the highest amount of line of
credit to Bangladesh, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
z Border Haats: India and Bangladesh established border haats to promote local and
regional trade.
 These informal markets allow residents from border areas to trade locally-produced

agricultural and manufactured goods, fostering economic exchange and strengthening

cross-border ties.
z Duty-Free Market Access: India has granted Bangladesh duty-free access to its
market under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
 Under SAFTA, India has granted duty-free quota free access to Bangladesh on all

items except alcohol and tobacco.

z Key Areas of Investment: India has invested in Mongla port which serves northeastern
States as well.
 India is working with Japan to develop the Matabari Deep Sea Port in Bangladesh

by 2027.
 India is working with Russia to develop the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

 Indian companies have invested in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of Bangladesh.

 Bangladesh purchases around 2500 MW of electricity from India.

 Power Grid Integration: The India-Nepal-Bangladesh trilateral power agreement

enables Nepal to export surplus electricity to Bangladesh through India. Under this
agreement, India will facilitate the transmission of 40 MW of hydroelectricity from
Nepal to Bangladesh in the first phase.
 Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) under BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal)

initiative to provide seamless connectivity.

Connectivity / Infrastructure:
z Ports: India gained access to Chittagong (Chattogram) and Mongla Ports, facilitating
transit to Northeast India.
z HIRA: HIRA means Highways, Information Ways (Digital connectivity), Railways
and Airways.
z Railways: Key railway projects such as the Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link, Belonia to
Feni Link, and Haldibari-Chilahati Rail Link have been initiated, enhancing cross-
border rail links.

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Space for Notes  Trains: Bandhan Express

(Kolkata to Khulna)
 Maitree Express (Dhaka to
Kolkata)
 Mitali Express (New Jalpaiguri
to Dhaka)
z Both countries are also working on
Inland waterway connectivity.
z Siliguri–Parbatipur Pipeline India-
Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) is the first cross border energy pipeline between
India and Bangladesh with a capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum
(MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh.
z Bus Services: In 2015, India and Bangladesh flagged off two bus services, Kolkata-
Dhaka-Agartala and Dhaka-Shillong-Guwahati, which linked West Bengal to three
North Eastern states of India via Bangladesh capital Dhaka.
Water Relations:

z Water Agreements Signed: Ganga water sharing agreement in 1996.

 Kushiyara River Pact regarding water sharing of Kushiyara River.
z India-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge: In March 2021, 1.9-km long India-Bangladesh
Friendship Bridge (Maitri Setu) over the Feni River was inaugurated.
 The bridge would immensely benefit Northeast India in trade matters as the same
would connect the Chittagong sea port just 100 km from Agartala.

Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, 1996:

In 1975 India constructed a Barrage across the Ganges at Farakka.
z Treaty: Under the treaty, the upper riparian India and lower riparian Bangladesh
agreed to share the water of this transboundary river at Farakka (which is the last
control structure on river Ganga in India), a dam on Bhagirathi river around 10 kms
from Bangladesh border.

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z Validity: The treaty will expire in 2026, when it completes its 30-year term. Space for Notes
Kushiyara River Treaty, 2022:
z About The River: Kushiyara river is a distributary of the Barak river which flows
through Assam, and then on to Bangladesh.
z Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 6th September,
2022 between India and Bangladesh on withdrawal of up to 153 cusecs of water
each by India and Bangladesh (will solve the water crisis for farmers of Sylhet)
from the common border river Kushiyara during the dry season for the consumptive
water requirements of each country.
Protocol for Inland Water Trade & Transit (PIWTT):
z In 1972, the Protocol for Inland Water Trade & Transit (PIWTT) was signed for
the first time between the two countries to provide inland waterways and facilitate
connectivity to North East States of India through waterways.
Cultural Dimensions:
z India and Bangladesh share strong cultural connections, with cross-border exchanges
in movies, music, movies, and literature.

z Both countries celebrate the birth anniversaries of cultural icons like Kazi Nazrul
Islam and Rabindranath Tagore. The influence of Rabindranath Sangeet is particularly
significant in both nations.
z Medical Tourism: A significant portion of medical tourism in India comes from
Bangladesh, as many Bangladeshis seek advanced medical treatment and care in India.
India-Bangladesh Issues / Challenges:
z China factor: China has significantly expanded its presence in Bangladesh through
increased trade and economic dependence, raising concerns about the country potentially
falling into a debt trap.
 Investments: China has also made strategic investments in critical infrastructure,
including Chittagong and Payra Ports, as well as the Padma Bridge.
 Bangladesh is also part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has
further complicated regional dynamics.

China-Bangladesh Relations
z Padma Bridge: The China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group played a key role
in the construction of the Padma Bridge, which connects Dhaka to southwest
Bangladesh, significantly improving regional connectivity.

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Space for Notes z Ports: Beijing is also heavily involved in the development of Chattogram Seaport,
which handles over 90% of Bangladesh’s overseas trade and is the busiest port in
the Bay of Bengal.
 Additionally, China is contributing to the development of Mongla Seaport, providing
a US$400 million government-concessional loan to enhance the port’s capacity
and infrastructure.
z Water-Sharing Issues: Water-sharing disputes between India and Bangladesh persist,
particularly concerning the Teesta River, which is vital for Bangladesh’s Rangpur
region, often referred to as the country’s “rice bowl.”
 Concerns of West Bengal and Bangladesh: While Bangladesh seeks a comprehensive
agreement to regulate the river’s water, India faces resistance, particularly from
West Bengal, where concerns about water allocation and regional impacts on agriculture
have led to reluctance in finalizing the deal.
 Other Concerns: There are also ongoing concerns regarding the Brahmaputra and
the Farakka Barrage, which impact water flow into Bangladesh.

Teesta River:
z About the River: The Teesta River, originating from Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim,

flows 150 km in Sikkim, 123 km in West Bengal, and 140 km in Bangladesh before
joining the Bay of Bengal. It is Bangladesh’s fourth-largest trans-boundary river.
z West Bengal: In 2011, India and Bangladesh were close to signing a Teesta water-

sharing agreement during the UPA-II government. However, West Bengal CM walked
out of the deal, and the agreement has been pending since then.
z Teesta Bridge: In 2025, after more than 10 years, the West Bengal government gave

its nod to the Teesta bridge project, which will connect Sikkim and West Bengal.
z Domestic Politics of Bangladesh: The political shift in Bangladesh, alongside the
political asylum granted to Begum Sheikh Hasina in India, has led to increasing anti-
India sentiment and attacks on minorities, fueling radicalization and support for groups
like Jamaat-e-Islami. This has raised concerns over regional stability and security.
 Support of Pakistan: There has been growing collaboration between Bangladesh’s
political leaders and Pakistan’s ISI (Intelligence Service) and military, posing security
risks for India.
 Border Insecurity: Following recent political changes in Bangladesh, there has been
a rise in violence, infiltration and anti-India activities, adding to regional instability
and security challenges.
z Economic and Trade Related Issues: India and Bangladesh face a trade imbalance,
with Bangladesh seeking greater duty-free access to Indian markets.
 In FY24, Bangladesh’s trade deficit with India was $9.2 billion, down from $10.1
billion in FY23. In the first four months of FY24 alone, the deficit stood at $2.3
billion.
 India faces tariff barriers that hinder the smooth flow of its exports to Bangladesh.
 The new Bangladeshi government has adopted a more protectionist approach on
various issues, further complicating trade relations.

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z Illegal Migration: Illegal migration from Bangladesh to India—comprising both economic Space for Notes
migrants and refugees, remains a pressing issue. This persistent influx places considerable
pressure on resources and security in India’s border states. The situation has been
further complicated by the entry of Rohingya refugees into India via Bangladesh.
z Drug Smuggling & Trafficking: Numerous incidents of cross-border drug smuggling
and trafficking have been reported.
 According to the latest annual report by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB),
approximately 70% of illegal drugs smuggled into India are trafficked via sea routes
through the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
 The border areas also witness human trafficking, particularly of women and children
as well as the poaching and illegal trade of various animal and bird species.
z Delivery Deficit: Despite India’s Lines of Credit (LOCs) and other support, project
completion delays persist due to bureaucratic hurdles. This results in lengthy processes,
hindering the timely implementation of development projects in Bangladesh.
 India over-promises and under delivers.

Recent Power Changes in Bangladesh, and it Effects on India:

z Bangladesh is facing major political turmoil after former PM Sheikh Hasina was
ousted in August 2024. The interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad
Yunus is struggling with public unrest, military tensions, and economic challenges.
 The return of job quotas has further fueled widespread protests, exposing deep

political instability..
z The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh affects India in multiple strategic,
economic, and security dimensions.
 Security Concerns in the Northeast: Increases insurgency risks and border

tensions, especially in Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

 Economic Disruption: Instability threatens Indian investments, cross-border trade

(e.g., power, textiles), and regional supply chains.

 Geopolitical Rivalries: China and Pakistan are reportedly increasing influence in
Dhaka post-Hasina.
 Undermines India’s regional leadership and strategic space in South Asia.

 Loss of a Friendly Regime: With Hasina out, future governments may adopt

neutral or anti-India stances.

Way Ahead:
z India-Bangladesh relations were going through Sonali Adhyaya or Golden Chapter
which got impacted due to regime change.
z India should focus on blue economy initiatives, along with technological, economic,
and cultural strengths, to enhance engagement with Bangladesh, ensuring long-term
stability, security, and mutual benefit.
z It is crucial for India to engage all stakeholders within Bangladesh, including political
parties, civil society, and local communities, to foster deeper bilateral ties.
z India should focus on multilateral platforms and partnerships to develop further
trust and mutual interest in the region.

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Space for Notes Important Locations

z Mongla: Mongla is the second largest port of Bangladesh.
z Chittagong (Chattogram): The erstwhile Sheikh Hasina government had given India
access to Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Mongla Ports.
z Cox’s Bazar: Rohingya refugees have fled to the world’s largest refugee camp, near
Cox’s Bazar
z St. Martin Island: Located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, close
to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
 Sheikh Hasina has hinted at US involvement in her ouster from power, suggesting
that a foreign country, possibly the United States, may have an interest in
establishing a military base on St Martin’s Island.
 Recently, the island gained attention amid claims that the Bangladesh Nationalist
Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had allegedly planned
to sell the island to the US for a military base in exchange for electoral support.
z Dhaka: Capital of Bangladesh.
z Khulna: City in Bangladesh.

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 11 Unit 3

PRELIMS PYQS

1. Consider the following statements : [2020] 3. China

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has 4. Myanmar
consistently increased in the last decade.
5. Thailand
2. "Textile and textile articles" constitute an
Select the correct answer by using the code
important item of trade between India and
given below:
Bangladesh.
(a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4
3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the
largest trading partner of India in South Asia. (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 5

Which of the statements given above is/are Ans: (c)

correct ? 3. Consider the following statements : [2021]
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only 1. 21st February is declared to be the International
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Mother Language Day by UNICEF.

Ans: (b) 2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of

the national languages was raised in the
2. In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of
Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
six countries, which of the following is/are not a
participant/ participants? [2015] Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. Bangladesh (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

2. Cambodia (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

MAINS PYQS:

1. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between
the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (2013)

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India-Bangladesh Relations | International Relation | DCN