The relationship between Bangladesh and India has been strained since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the wake of a nationwide student-led movement in July-August 2024. This led to an increase in anti-Bangladesh content in the Indian media, along with perceived reluctance from Delhi to extradite Hasina, which fueled anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. Moreover, the chief adviser of the interim government made China his first stop on a bilateral visit, breaking the tradition of visiting India first. This shift resulted in reciprocal trade restrictions on key trade routes between India and Bangladesh.
India, being a regional powerhouse and emerging global player, needs to rethink its approach towards Bangladesh. The relationship has been characterized by a lack of balance, with political goodwill overshadowing the need for equity. Dhaka is not just a minor ally but a genuine partner deserving fair treatment that acknowledges its valid interests.
Equity in diplomacy doesn’t mean striving for equality but rather ensuring fair treatment, recognizing varying capacities, and establishing systems that address power imbalances instead of exploiting them. Stronger nations should take on more significant responsibilities not to dominate but to encourage balanced cooperation.
The United Nations Charter emphasizes the equal sovereignty of all its members. Regardless of their size or strength, every country, Bangladesh included, deserves an equal say in regional decisions affecting its people, resources, and security.
Respecting the principle of non-intervention in domestic affairs is crucial in Bangladesh-India relations. India’s perceived meddling in Bangladesh’s internal politics has often led to resentment and suspicion, eroding mutual trust.
These principles are not just moral ideals but practical guidelines for sustainable and respectful diplomacy. For Bangladesh-India relations to flourish in the 21st century, both nations must embody these values.
Despite repeated claims of friendship, Bangladesh often faces disproportionate treatment. The issue of sharing the Teesta River is a glaring example. Despite years of negotiations, domestic political considerations in India, particularly opposition from West Bengal, have stalled the agreement. This has led to water shortages for farmers in northern Bangladesh. The resolution requires fair negotiations and consideration of environmental and human impacts on both sides, rather than seeking dominance.
Similarly, the unresolved matter of border killings by Indian security forces remains a tragic issue. While both governments claim to be working on reducing such incidents, they continue to occur frequently, often involving unarmed civilians. These actions not only breach bilateral agreements but also undermine the peaceful coexistence spirit outlined in international law. India must intensify efforts to hold its forces accountable and address Bangladesh’s concerns seriously.
Bangladesh faces a significant trade deficit with India, exporting over $11 billion worth of goods annually to Bangladesh, while importing less than $2 billion. This imbalance is influenced by market dynamics, non-tariff barriers, bureaucratic obstacles, and restrictive Indian trade policies. Equity demands that India provide preferential market access and eliminate trade barriers hindering Bangladesh’s export growth for the relationship to evolve into a genuine partnership.
There have been positive advancements in connectivity between the two countries, including the enhancement of rail and road links, utilization of ports, and increased energy cooperation. Bangladesh has accommodated Indian requests for transit and access. However, regional connectivity should be mutual, recognizing Bangladesh’s strategic position as more than just a corridor to India’s northeast but as a sovereign asset to be respected and fairly negotiated.
India’s aspiration to lead South Asia as a regional power should focus on consensus-building rather than unilateral actions. Genuine leadership requires generosity, fairness, and the ability to uplift neighbors rather than dominate them.
Bangladesh and India have vast potential for cooperation in various areas such as climate change, disaster response, trade, counterterrorism, and cultural exchange. To unlock this potential, both nations must move away from the dominance-dependency paradigm. India should view Bangladesh as an equal stakeholder in South Asia’s future, not as a subordinate.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, should assert its national interests confidently yet diplomatically, leveraging its growing geopolitical importance. Multilateral forums like SAARC and BIMSTEC should serve as platforms for reinforcing equity norms, with active engagement from both countries to revitalize these institutions.