🌏 India-Bangladesh Relations 2025: Trade 🚢, Diplomacy 🤝 & Strategic Challenges ⚔️ Explained

 

🤝 India-Bangladesh Relations: Simple Explanation for UPSC Aspirants

🗓️ Published In: The Hindu – 21 May 2025
🧵 Focus: Recent trade tensions between India 🇮🇳 and Bangladesh 🇧🇩 due to India’s restrictions on Bangladeshi garments.

India and Bangladesh are like neighbors who have shared many memories – from culture to history, from rivers to railway tracks. But now, due to some political problems and foreign influence, their friendship is going through some rough weather. Let’s break it all down simply 👇

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🌍 Why India-Bangladesh Relationship is Important?

1. Same Roots, Same Culture

• Both countries have deep historical and cultural bonds.

• We share language, traditions, and emotions.

• This creates natural trust and easy people-to-people connections.

2. Big Trade Partners

• India's biggest South Asian trading partner is Bangladesh.

• In 2023-24, our trade was worth $14.01 billion!

• We exchange goods like garments, raw materials, machines, etc.

3. Security and Border Coordination

• We cooperate in stopping drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal activities.

• The 4,096 km long border is mostly peaceful with fencing and joint patrols.

4. Solved Border Issues Peacefully

• In 2015, we signed the Land Boundary Agreement and settled maritime borders.

• This shows how both nations believe in peaceful dialogue.

5. Ports and Blue Economy

• We are working together on green energy and ocean-related economies.

• Agreements help protect marine environment and boost blue economy.

6. Working Together in Groups

• Bangladesh and India participate in BBIN, IORA, BIMSTEC, and SAARC.

• These platforms help to solve common issues and improve cooperation.

7. Boosting Connectivity

• India can use Bangladesh’s Chittagong & Mongla Ports, saving time and cost.

• Railways like Akhaura–Agartala link help India’s northeast region grow.

8. Helping Hand in Development

• India has given about $8 billion as Line of Credit for roads, bridges, energy.

• This improves Bangladesh’s infrastructure and ties.

9. Youth and Cultural Bonds

• Dance, languages, and the arts are taught at Indian Cultural Centers in Dhaka..

• Scholarships and student programs build young friendship bridges.

10. Energy Sharing

• India gives 1160 MW of electricity to Bangladesh.

• A pipeline now transports diesel fuel – showing deeper energy ties.

11. Digital and Space Tech Support

• India helps Bangladesh with UPI payments and satellite technology.

• This tech bond increases innovation and mutual trust.

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⚠️ What are the Challenges in India-Bangladesh Ties?

1. Water Sharing Problem

• No clear deal on sharing river water like Teesta.

• This creates political stress between both sides.

2. China’s Influence Growing

• China is Bangladesh’s biggest arms supplier and friend in defense.

• Military exercise like Golden Friendship 2024 show China-Bangla closeness.

3. Illegal Migration

• Rohingya refugees and other migrants enter India via Bangladesh, causing tension.

• India’s Northeast gets social and security pressure.

4. Religious Radicalization

• In Bangladesh, minorities are sometimes mistreated, and religious extremism is rising.

• India fears this can create instability in the region.

5. India’s Internal Policies

• CAA and NRC created fears in Bangladesh.

• These were used in Bangladeshi politics to criticize India.

6. Trade Restrictions

• Both countries have put trade and port restrictions on each other.

• This creates economic loss and bitterness.

7. Bangladesh’s Political Confusion

• The current interim government in Bangladesh has unclear status.

• So, many joint projects are stuck due to instability.

8. Less People-To-People Contact

• Visa issues, transport suspensions have made tourism, medical visits, and study exchanges go down.

• This weakens emotional connect between both countries.

9. Water and Climate Issues

• Without cooperation, floods and droughts become worse.

• Both need to plan joint river usage and environment care.

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✅ What Can Be Done to Improve India-Bangladesh Relations?

1. Start CEPA Talks

• A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement can solve trade problems.

• It will reduce tariffs and boost exports/imports.

2. Use SEZs Effectively

• SEZs (Special Economic Zones) in Bangladesh should attract Indian companies.

• This will increase employment and economic growth.

3. Solve Teesta Water Dispute

• Teesta water-sharing should be finalized soon.

• A temporary formula can be used through the Joint Rivers Commission.

4. More Energy Cooperation

• We can build more joint power plants and expand electricity supply lines.

• A Joint Energy Group can plan this fast.

5. Fast Connectivity Projects

• Railways, roads, and inland waterway projects should be quickly completed.

• This will increase India’s export by 172% (as per World Bank).

6. Regional Leadership

• India should support Bangladesh as a leader in BIMSTEC, SAARC, IORA.

• This will bring regional unity and strength.

7. Update Development Deal

• India and Bangladesh should sign a new development agreement.

• It should include modern projects and joint goals.

8. Smart Border Management

• Use digital immigration systems to make border crossing safe and fast.

• This will also reduce illegal migration.

9. Promote Youth and Culture

• More cultural programs, student exchange, and scholarships can build friendship.

• Youth ties help long-term peace and understanding.

10. Support Minorities and Harmony

• Both countries should protect minority rights and avoid religious hate.

• Peace at home is needed for peace between neighbors.

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📝 Conclusion

India and Bangladesh must hold hands firmly even during political storms. We need smart diplomacy, quick project work, and emotional connection through youth and culture.

If we handle this wisely, both can grow strong and united in this changing South Asian region 🌏