India–Bangladesh Relations (English)
1. Historical Background
Liberation War of 1971: India supported Bangladesh’s struggle for independence from Pakistan. The war led to the creation of Bangladesh in December 1971, after India’s decisive military intervention. The India–Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Peace (1972) marked the beginning of close diplomatic ties.
Shared Culture: India and Bangladesh share linguistic, cultural, and historical bonds through Bengali heritage. Both nations also share freedom movement traditions and cultural exchanges, strengthening ties beyond politics.
2. Major Disputes
Border Management: India and Bangladesh share a 4,096 km border, the longest India shares with any neighbor. Issues include illegal migration, human trafficking, smuggling, and occasional border killings.
Water Disputes: The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) resolved water sharing at Farakka Barrage, but the Teesta River dispute remains unresolved, causing political sensitivity in both nations.
Territorial Disputes: The Land Boundary Agreement (2015) resolved the decades-old enclaves issue, leading to a peaceful exchange of territories. The maritime boundary dispute was resolved in 2014 through arbitration, largely in favor of Bangladesh.
3. Areas of Cooperation
Trade & Economy: India is among Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade steadily growing. Bangladesh imports electricity from India and benefits from Indian investments in infrastructure.
Connectivity: Improved connectivity through buses, trains, and shipping routes such as Kolkata–Dhaka, Kolkata–Khulna, and Agartala–Dhaka. Coastal shipping agreements further enhance economic ties.
Security: Both countries cooperate against terrorism and insurgency. Bangladesh has acted against Indian insurgents using its soil.
Energy: India exports electricity to Bangladesh and supports joint ventures in energy projects.
Culture & People-to-People: Shared festivals, language, and traditions promote strong cultural diplomacy. Tourism, academic exchanges, and historical linkages strengthen bilateral goodwill.
4. Current Status (2015–2024)
The Land Boundary Agreement (2015) improved trust and resolved long-standing territorial disputes. Connectivity projects expanded, linking India’s northeast to Bangladesh. The Teesta water-sharing issue remains pending, creating political hurdles.
Chinese investments in Bangladesh, particularly in ports and infrastructure, pose strategic challenges for India. Despite these issues, bilateral ties are considered among the strongest in South Asia, with cooperation in trade, security, and energy continuing to grow.
5. Challenges
Illegal migration, smuggling, and border management issues.
Pending Teesta water-sharing dispute creating political tension.
China’s growing influence in Bangladesh’s infrastructure and economy.
Trade imbalance concerns raised by Bangladesh.
6. Way Forward
Conclude the Teesta water agreement to build goodwill.
Enhance connectivity to integrate India’s northeast with Bangladesh.
Balance China’s influence through deeper Indian investments and cooperation.
Promote cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.
Expand cooperation in energy, climate change adaptation, and disaster management.