Tied by Geography, Divided by Politics

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2-International Relations

Introduction

India-Bangladesh relations show a contrast: geographical, cultural and economic ties coexist with political mistrust. Their shared border of over 4,000 kilometres, common rivers and regional interests make cooperation essential. However, historical grievances, concerns over Indian influence, domestic political divisions and unresolved disputes have weakened confidence. The BNP’s (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) return to power in February 2026 offers an opening to reset ties, but lasting progress remains uncertain for both neighbours. Tied by Geography, Divided by Politics.

Historical Roots of Mutual Suspicion

1. India’s Role in Bangladesh’s Liberation: India delivered the decisive military blow against Pakistan in 1971, creating gratitude but also resentment among Bangladeshi elites who believed their nation should have secured liberation independently.
2. Concerns over National Identity: Bangladesh feared that India’s influence, particularly through culturally connected West Bengal, could weaken its independent identity. Open borders after liberation also revived memories of Hindu bhadralok dominance in pre-Partition Bengal.
3. Geographical Dependence and Fear of Domination: Bangladesh shares over 4,000 kilometres of border with India and depends on rivers originating or flowing through India. These geographical realities create concerns about its economic and strategic freedom.
4. Shift in Nationalism and Foreign Policy: After Sheikh Mujib, succeeding governments distanced Bangladesh from India. Ziaur Rahman promoted Islamic nationalism over the linguistic nationalism associated with the liberation movement.

Domestic Politics and the Changing Dynamics of Bilateral Relations

1. Political Divide over India: The Awami League generally favoured close relations with India through its secular Bengali-nationalist legacy. The BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) and its allies remained more suspicious of New Delhi, making India an issue in Bangladesh’s domestic political contest.
2. Strategic Autonomy through External Partnerships: Bangladesh strengthened ties with Pakistan, China and the United States to balance India’s overwhelming power. Dhaka viewed these partnerships as an assertion of strategic autonomy rather than simply anti-India policy.
3. Perceived Indian Interference in Domestic Politics: Many Bangladeshis believe India helped bring Sheikh Hasina to power in 2007 and supported her authoritarian rule. Critics accused New Delhi of using international influence to shield her government from scrutiny over human rights violations.
4. Democratic Concerns and Political Backlash: India was widely perceived as prioritising security interests over Bangladesh’s democratic development. Critics accused Hasina’s government of imprisoning, torturing and executing opposition supporters, while accusing New Delhi of shielding her regime.
5. Hasina’s Ouster and Bilateral Tensions: Hasina’s ouster in August 2024 and flight to India on 5 August reinforced suspicions about New Delhi’s political role. India’s continuing refusal to extradite her remains a major bilateral irritant.
6. Political Transition and Continuing Uncertainty: The BNP’s return to power under Tarique Rahman in February 2026 has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Functional engagement has resumed, but substantial mutual suspicion continues to hinder progress.

Why Both Countries Need Each Other

1. Shared Civilisational and Cultural Connections: India and Bangladesh share languages, cultural traditions, literature, music, arts and historical connections. These commonalities provide a social foundation for cooperation despite political differences.
2. India’s Rising Global Economic Importance: India’s 1.4-billion population and US$3.5-trillion economy offer Bangladesh opportunities through expanding markets, investment and regional prosperity. India’s growing global economic influence can create wider opportunities for its neighbours.
3. Regional Prosperity through Economic Proximity: A prosperous India can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, as regional experiences suggest that neighbouring countries can benefit from a thriving economy. A successful Bangladesh, in turn, is more likely to become a strong partner for India than a struggling neighbour.
4. Bangladesh’s Economic and Climate Needs: Bangladesh needs Indian cooperation in electricity, critical infrastructure and climate adaptation. Rising sea levels threaten its coastal regions, making cooperation important for long-term development and resilience.
5. India’s Northeast Connectivity and Security: India needs Bangladesh’s transit routes to connect its Seven Sisters states and reduce transportation costs. These routes can help address regional isolation and support India’s internal cohesion and regional stability.
6. Shared Regional Security Interests: Both countries face climate change, water-management challenges and terrorism. Their shared security and environmental concerns make cooperation essential for regional stability and sustainable development.

Major Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations

1. Unresolved River-Water Sharing: Bangladesh shares 50 rivers with India, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, but water-sharing disagreements remain unresolved. Cooperation in water management is important for agriculture, flood control and climate resilience.
2. Border Killings and Human Rights Concerns: The Indian Border Security Force’s alleged ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy at the border remains a serious concern. Human Rights Watch has criticised this policy, making border practices an important human rights issue.
3. Trade Imbalance and Market Access: Trade imbalances, tariffs and barriers to Bangladeshi exports limit economic opportunities. Easier market access and reduced trade barriers could support Bangladesh’s economic growth and improve bilateral economic relations.
4. Geopolitical Competition and Strategic Distrust: Bangladesh’s engagement with China, Pakistan and the United States reflects its balancing strategy. India’s concerns over China’s growing regional influence further complicate mutual confidence and strategic cooperation.
5. India’s Personality-Centric Diplomacy: India’s close alignment with Hasina rather than Bangladesh’s broader political institutions weakened its diplomatic resilience. Her removal exposed the risks of a regional strategy centred on one political leader.
6. Anti-India Sentiment and Political Narratives: Perceptions of Indian interference and hostile political narratives have strengthened public resentment in Bangladesh. This public distrust makes rebuilding confidence and sustaining bilateral cooperation more difficult.

The Way Forward

1. Move Beyond Historical Gratitude: India should not expect permanent gratitude for its role in 1971, as national interests and identity concerns shape Bangladesh’s foreign policy more strongly than historical sentiments. Repeatedly invoking liberation can deepen existing resentment.
2. Practise Restraint and Political Sensitivity: India should exercise its regional power responsibly and respect Bangladesh’s democratic evolution and national identity. It should engage with the country’s people and institutions rather than relying heavily on one political leadership.
3. Respect Strategic Autonomy: Bangladesh should recognise that maintaining independent foreign relations does not require automatic opposition to India. Its geographical realities and shared developmental interests make a workable relationship with New Delhi indispensable.
4. Strengthen Water and Border Cooperation: Both countries should prioritise river-water sharing, joint river management and responsible border practices. These efforts can support agriculture, flood control, climate resilience and human rights.
5. Promote Trade and Regional Connectivity: India should ease tariffs and export barriers and expand infrastructure and electricity cooperation. Better transit connectivity can reduce transportation costs and create economic benefits for both countries.
6. Rebuild Institutional and Public Trust: Both governments should strengthen functional engagement and reduce hostile narratives. Broader institutional relations can make bilateral cooperation more resilient to political changes and leadership transitions.

Conclusion

India and Bangladesh need a relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests. India should move beyond personality-centred diplomacy, while Bangladesh should pursue strategic autonomy without reflexive opposition. Resolving water-sharing, border and trade disputes can strengthen regional stability, expand economic opportunities and support peaceful coexistence for both countries, despite their political differences.

Question for practice:

Examine the major challenges in India-Bangladesh relations and suggest measures to strengthen bilateral ties.

Source: The Hindu