India Bangladesh Diplomatic Engagement During Prime Ministers Visit In 2020

In 2020, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh visited India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. During this visit, both nations signed seven key agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across security, water sharing, trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Notably, these included memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on coastal surveillance, water sharing from the Feni River for a drinking water project in Tripura, academic collaboration between the University of Hyderabad and the University of Dhaka, youth affairs, and port usage for trade. As part of the diplomatic outreach, a joint declaration was also issued to commemorate important anniversaries—Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, the centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth, and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. This visit underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Bangladesh, emphasizing regional stability, economic integration, and shared cultural bonds.

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Introduction to the 2020 Visit

The 2020 diplomatic engagement between India and Bangladesh, initiated by the visit of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, represents a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two neighbors. This visit was not merely a routine diplomatic gesture but a comprehensive effort to strengthen bilateral ties through multiple agreements, reflecting mutual interests in security, economic development, water resource management, and cultural diplomacy. It also emphasized the importance of historical commemorations and shared regional strategies in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Historical and Political Ties

India and Bangladesh, sharing a 4,096-kilometer border, are intertwined through a long history of cultural, political, and economic links. The roots of their relationship stretch back to the colonial period, with shared linguistic, religious, and cultural identities. The liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 after a brutal war against West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) was a defining moment, leading to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation with India’s support. The subsequent decades have seen fluctuating dynamics but a general trajectory of improving relations, driven by shared interests and regional stability concerns.

Post-1971 Developments

The foundational treaty—the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement—resolved long-standing border issues, exchanging territories and normalizing relations. Subsequent water-sharing treaties, such as the 1997 Ganges Water Treaty, exemplify successful cooperation. Yet, challenges persisted, particularly over water sharing, border security, migration, and trade. The 2011 Indo-Bangladesh Water Sharing Treaty sought to address some of these issues, but disputes and concerns continued to influence diplomatic interactions.

Regional Strategic Dynamics

The Indo-Bangladesh relationship also operates within the broader regional context involving China’s growing influence, Myanmar’s internal conflicts, and Southeast Asian geopolitics. India views Bangladesh as a strategic partner to counterbalance regional challenges and enhance connectivity through initiatives like the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor. Conversely, Bangladesh seeks economic growth, regional integration, and sovereignty recognition, navigating its strategic autonomy amid regional pressures.

Objectives and Expectations

Sheikh Hasina’s visit aimed to reaffirm partnership, address bilateral issues, and deepen cooperation in multiple domains. The agreements signed were intended to bolster security, facilitate economic connectivity, and promote cultural exchanges. The commemoration of historical milestones during the visit aimed to reinforce cultural bonds and national pride.

1. Coastal Surveillance System

One of the prominent agreements was on deploying a coastal surveillance system, a security infrastructure designed to monitor maritime borders. This initiative aims to prevent illegal activities, including smuggling, human trafficking, and piracy, thus enhancing maritime security—a critical concern given Bangladesh's extensive coastline and India’s strategic maritime interests in the Bay of Bengal.

2. Water Sharing from the Feni River

Water sharing remains one of the most sensitive issues in India-Bangladesh relations. The MoU on the Feni River’s water sharing builds upon the 2011 water treaty, specifically addressing the need for equitable access to water for drinking and irrigation. The Feni River, originating in India’s Tripura state and flowing into Bangladesh, is vital for local communities, and its water sharing is critical for regional stability and mutual trust.

3. Academic and Cultural Cooperation

The agreement between the University of Hyderabad and the University of Dhaka illustrates a focus on educational and cultural exchanges, fostering people-to-people contact. Such initiatives are seen as vital for long-term regional stability and soft power diplomacy.

4. Youth Affairs and Cultural Exchanges

Youth cooperation and cultural exchange programs aim to promote mutual understanding among the younger generations, strengthening bonds beyond political and economic spheres.

5. Port Usage for Trade

Agreements permitting India to use the Chattogram and Mongla ports for trade are significant steps toward regional connectivity. These protocols reduce transportation costs, enhance trade volumes, and integrate Bangladesh more deeply into India’s northeastern markets and the broader regional economy.

Commemorative Declarations

The joint declaration issued during the visit celebrated historical milestones—Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s centenary, and Bangladesh’s Liberation War anniversary—serving as symbolic gestures to reinforce shared history and cultural ties.

Regional Stability and Security

The agreements on maritime security and border management contribute to regional stability by addressing security concerns, combating illegal activities, and fostering trust. Enhanced maritime surveillance aligns with India’s strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal, where China’s expanding influence and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) pose regional challenges.

Water Diplomacy and Transboundary Resources

Water sharing remains a complex issue in South Asia, involving multiple riparian states. The Feni River MoU signifies an ongoing effort to resolve water disputes through negotiated agreements, reducing tensions and promoting sustainable management of shared water resources.

Economic Integration and Connectivity

Trade facilitation through port usage agreements reflects a broader regional strategy to improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and foster economic growth. These initiatives also support India’s Act East policy and Bangladesh’s vision for regional integration, including the Bangladesh Economic Zones and regional development corridors.

Cultural and Soft Power Diplomacy

Cultural exchanges and commemorations help deepen mutual understanding and counteract stereotypes. They serve as soft power tools, shaping perceptions and fostering long-term goodwill.

Diplomatic and Legal Frameworks

The agreements build on existing treaties and frameworks, such as the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and the 1997 Ganges Water Treaty, creating a layered legal and diplomatic architecture for future cooperation. They demonstrate a pragmatic approach to resolving complex issues through dialogue and mutual consent.

The 1971 Liberation War and Its Legacy

The Bangladesh Liberation War was a turning point, establishing Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. India’s role was pivotal, and the subsequent relationship has been influenced by this shared history. Anniversary celebrations of independence and liberation serve as reminders of this legacy.

The Land Boundary Agreement and Physical Borders

The 1974 Land Boundary Agreement resolved long-standing territorial disputes, setting a precedent for peaceful resolution. Its success has encouraged further negotiations on water sharing, trade, and security.

Water Diplomacy

India and Bangladesh have a history of water disputes, notably over the Ganges and Teesta rivers. The 1997 Ganges Water Treaty was a landmark, but disagreements persist. The Feni River MoU indicates progress in specific cases but also highlights the ongoing complexity of transboundary water management.

Regional Strategic Dynamics

China’s increasing presence in South Asia, especially through the BRI and infrastructure investments, has prompted India to seek stronger ties with Bangladesh. Bangladesh, seeking economic growth and strategic autonomy, balances relations with both India and China, navigating regional power plays.

India

India views Bangladesh as a vital partner in its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and the Act East strategy. Securing maritime borders, enhancing trade routes, and fostering cultural ties align with India’s regional ambitions. The port agreements and security collaborations are part of broader efforts to counterbalance China’s influence and maintain regional stability.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s primary interests include economic development, sovereignty, and regional connectivity. The government aims to leverage improved relations with India to attract investments, develop infrastructure, and secure water resources. Sheikh Hasina’s government also emphasizes cultural and historical bonds to legitimize its diplomatic initiatives.

International Stakeholders

The United States, China, and regional players like Myanmar and Nepal observe these developments closely. The U.S. seeks to promote stability and counterbalance Chinese influence; China aims to deepen regional ties through BRI; and Myanmar’s internal conflicts influence regional dynamics, especially concerning border security and trade.

Strategic Diversification

The India-Bangladesh relationship exemplifies India’s broader strategy of deepening regional partnerships to promote stability, economic growth, and counterbalance regional rivals. It also reflects India’s emphasis on resolving bilateral issues through dialogue rather than conflict.

Regional Integration and Connectivity

The agreements facilitate regional connectivity, crucial for India’s Act East policy, which aims to enhance economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia and beyond. Bangladesh’s geographical position makes it a strategic partner for India’s connectivity projects, including road, rail, and maritime corridors.

Water Security and Climate Change

Given the increasing impacts of climate change, shared water resources management is becoming more critical. India and Bangladesh’s cooperation on water sharing and environmental protection reflects a recognition of the necessity for transboundary cooperation in climate resilience.

Soft Power and Diplomacy

Cultural diplomacy, anniversaries, and people-to-people exchanges are integral to India’s foreign policy toolkit. These initiatives foster long-term goodwill, which is essential amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

Future Outlook

The 2020 visit set a positive trajectory for India-Bangladesh relations, with potential expansions in water sharing agreements, trade routes, and cultural exchanges. Continued diplomatic engagement is likely to focus on resolving remaining issues, such as border security concerns and environmental sustainability, while promoting regional cooperation mechanisms like BIMSTEC and SAARC. The strategic partnership is poised to deepen as both countries navigate regional and global challenges, emphasizing mutual growth and stability in South Asia.

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Note: This in-depth analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the 2020 India-Bangladesh diplomatic engagement, contextualized within historical, regional, and strategic frameworks. It underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in shaping regional geopolitics and exemplifies the multifaceted nature of South Asian diplomacy.