Syllabus: International Relations: India’s Neighbourhood
Context: Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amid violent protests. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has taken control and is in the process of forming an interim government.
What led to the protest and fall of the government?
Sheikh Hasina’s government fell due to widespread protests sparked by a controversial job quota system favouring descendants of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence. These protests, led by students, grew into a larger anti-government movement, fueled by dissatisfaction with Hasina’s 15 years of authoritarian rule, a crackdown on the opposition, and alleged human rights abuses. The unrest and violent clashes ultimately forced her to resign and flee the country.
What was the Army’s role?
Bangladesh Army is said to have refused to intervene in the student’s protest, thereby leaving no choice for the Government, but to resign.
Over the years, the Bangladesh Army has played a significant role in the country’s politics, directly or indirectly controlling it for 15 years after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the country’s founding figure) in 1975. The army’s influence persisted until Sheikh Hasina, Mujib’s daughter, rose to power in 2008. In 2024, following widespread protests, the army once again intervened, taking responsibility for forming an interim government after Hasina’s resignation.
Impact of Sheikh Hasina’s Exit on India:
- Loss of a Trusted Partner: India lost a reliable ally in Sheikh Hasina, who was sensitive to India’s security concerns and collaborated on counter-terrorism.
- China’s Influence: Hasina’s exit may strengthen China’s influence in Bangladesh, complicating India’s regional strategy, especially with other challenging neighbours.
- Border Security Concerns: The new government could be less friendly, increasing border security issues for India, especially given the existing tensions with Pakistan and China.
- Islamist Extremism: Hasina’s departure may lead to a resurgence of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh, which could threaten India’s security.
- Transit and Connectivity: India’s logistical supply routes to its Northeast may be impacted if the new government revises transit agreements.
- Potential Anti-India Stance: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), if it comes to power, might adopt an anti-India stance, straining bilateral relations.
India’s Stand During the Crisis:
- India views the Bangladesh protests as an internal matter.
- Despite Hasina’s undemocratic practices, India has supported her, creating tensions with the West, which has criticized her authoritarian methods.
What should India do?
- Supporting Allies: India must navigate distancing itself from Hasina while engaging her opponents to maintain regional influence.
- Geopolitical Risks: With Hasina gone, India must be cautious of Pakistan and China’s potential influence on Bangladesh, working with global partners to ensure stability.
- Beyond 1971: India must move beyond the 1971 liberation narrative and engage with diverse political forces in Bangladesh based on mutual long-term interests.
- Partition’s Legacy: The crisis underscores unresolved tensions from Partition, reminding both nations of the ongoing impact on their relationship.
- Regional Dynamics: India’s strategy must recognize the independent agency of its neighbours, requiring patience and adaptability in its foreign policy approach.
Dimensions of India-Bangladesh Relations:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Historical Ties | India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted relationship marked by historical ties and growing cooperation across multiple fronts. Initially forged during the 1971 Liberation War, bilateral relations have evolved positively under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership since 1996, culminating in significant agreements such as the Ganga water-sharing treaty |
| Economic Cooperation | Bilateral trade growth, reaching USD 14 billion in 2023-24. Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia. Joint feasibility study for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) |
| Infrastructure | Resolved Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) and maritime disputes. Inauguration of Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link. BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity. Matarbari Port development connecting Dhaka and Northeast India. |
| Energy | Bangladesh’s electricity imports from India. Cooperation in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. |
| India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline will transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel from Siliguri, West Bengal, to Parbatipur, Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. | |
| Defence Cooperation | Shared border of 4096.7 km. Joint military exercises (Army – Exercise Sampriti, Navy – Exercise Bongo Sagar). |
| Multilateral Cooperation | Engagement in SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA forums. |
| According to the India Tourism Statistics Report 2022 of the Ministry of Tourism, Bangladesh has been the second-largest tourist-generating market for India in the year 2021. |
Other major challenges for India in its neighbourhood:
| Country | Major Challenges for India |
| Pakistan | Strained relations due to the Kashmir conflict and cross-border terrorism. |
| Economic crisis, political instability, and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) ties. | |
| Recent terrorist attacks, allegedly sponsored by Pakistan. | |
| Nepal | Political Instability Affecting Policy Consistency |
| Growing economic ties with China, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). | |
| Ongoing border disputes, including Kalapani. | |
| Sri Lanka | Economic recovery with India’s support. |
| Ongoing issues like the Katchatheevu island dispute, Tamil minority treatment, and implementation of the 13th Amendment. | |
| Maldives | Shift towards Pro-China stance after recent elections. |
| Calls for reducing Indian military presence and the “India-Out” campaign. | |
| Myanmar | Military coups and civil unrest led to instability. |
| Challenges include the Rohingya refugee influx, increased Chinese influence, and balancing strategic interests with human rights concerns. | |
| Bhutan | Efforts to diversify foreign relations and reduce economic dependence on India. |
| Unresolved Doklam issue involving China. | |
| Need to update India-Bhutan relations to reflect Bhutan’s evolving aspirations. | |
| Afghanistan | Taliban’s return to power reshaping regional geopolitics. |
| India’s investments in Afghan development are at risk. | |
| Maintaining strategic influence through humanitarian assistance. |
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Q1. Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (USPC 2018)
Q2. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (UPSC 2015)
Prelims Links:
With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
- The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
