A Possible Framework for Re-envisioning Bangladesh–India Relations
For Bangladesh and India, 1971 is more than a shared chapter of cooperation—it is a defining bond. But no relationship remains unchanged forever. As Hasan Ferdous notes in his two-part series, the ties between the two neighbours now stand at a critical juncture.
More than fifty years after the Liberation War, Bangladesh–India relations appear to be at what former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once called a “fork in the road.” One path leads toward deeper cooperation, the other toward inevitable friction. Choosing the right direction is now a responsibility shared by both nations.
Shared Sovereignty and Structural Imbalance
The unequal nature of the relationship is rooted in reality. India is the region’s largest state and a recognised power in South Asia. But sovereign equality is a fundamental principle of international law—regardless of size, both countries hold equal rights and dignity, symbolised by their equal votes at the United Nations.
Yet India’s approach often gives the impression that it expects deference from its smaller neighbour. Scholar Stephen P. Cohen warned in India: Emerging Power (2001) that India’s desire for special respect from nearby states can only breed resentment—and this, he noted, is precisely what has happened in Bangladesh.
Over the past 15 years under Sheikh Hasina, India has gained significant advantages in trade, connectivity, border management, and energy cooperation. But this structural inequality has bred frustration. Water-sharing disputes like the Farakka and Teesta issues remain unresolved, despite decades of negotiation. Even Indian officials, such as former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, have admitted that the stalemate on Teesta casts doubt on India’s sincerity.
Trade imbalance is another long-standing concern: India exports around $16 billion worth of goods to Bangladesh annually, while Bangladesh’s exports barely reach $1.5 billion. India’s non-tariff barriers—delays, arbitrary quality checks, and port restrictions—have compounded this disparity.
A Needed Shift in India’s Approach
Correcting these imbalances requires a shift in India’s attitude. Instead of relying on preferred political actors, India should place trust in the Bangladeshi people and their democratic processes. This would transform Bangladesh from a “client state” into a genuine partner.
Commentators like Vinod Khosla have argued that India often displays an unnecessary arrogance toward its neighbours—an approach that has not served it well, especially in Bangladesh. Respect, not lecturing, is what would benefit both sides.
The Roots of Anti-India Sentiment
Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh is both widespread and structural. It stems from perceptions of Indian dominance, unresolved bilateral issues, and deeper cultural and political tensions. To rebuild trust, India must stop invoking 1971 as a perpetual claim to gratitude and instead frame Bangladesh as an equal, long-term partner.
Resolving issues related to water-sharing, trade, transit, border killings, and connectivity would go a long way toward changing negative perceptions. But the first meaningful gesture must come from India.
Pressing the Reset Button
Analysts like Tanvi Madan have argued that India must treat Bangladesh not as a “corridor” or “buffer,” but as a partner with its own priorities. The political landscape in Bangladesh has changed dramatically after the 2024 uprising, and India must acknowledge this structural shift.
Indian commentators such as Sanjay Kapoor and former Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi have criticised India’s sustained effort to keep Sheikh Hasina in power, arguing that this policy has damaged India’s credibility and contributed to instability in Bangladesh. Preventing Awami League political mobilisation on Indian soil—and cooperating on the return of leaders facing legal cases—could serve as a genuine reset.
Ultimately, India must take the first step by offering measurable concessions on key issues like water, trade, and border management. If Bangladesh holds a meaningful election in the coming months, many experts believe that rebuilding trust will become easier.
Perspectives for the Future
Professor Ankita Dutta of Jindal University noted in an interview that once elections take place, both countries will have space to recalibrate relations. She argues for a shift from transactional demands (“I want this, I don’t want that”) toward a reciprocal, needs-based partnership. A true reset, she believes, requires moving away from a leader-centric approach to an institution-driven one.
Challenges Within Bangladesh: Fundamentalism and Communal Tension
Bangladesh also bears responsibility. Anti-India sentiment is increasingly used as a political tool. Remarks by key Bangladeshi figures—such as comments on the “Chicken’s Neck,” territorial claims, or warm engagement with Pakistan’s military—have heightened India’s concerns.
India is also wary of the rise of fundamentalist politics and increasing communal tension in Bangladesh. Analysts like Milan Vaishnav suggest that the surge in religion-based politics in both countries has fed off each other. Though attempts have been made to marginalise fundamentalist parties in Bangladesh, these efforts have often strengthened them indirectly.
Communalism adds further complexity. Bangladesh must protect its minority communities not to pacify India, but because it is a core responsibility of the state. Building trust among minorities through consistent action is essential for Bangladesh’s own social stability.
Close Neighbours, Shared History
Bangladesh and India share a long civilisational history, a deep cultural heritage, and the collective memory of 1971. Geography makes them neighbours; history makes them intertwined.
But stable relations cannot rely on emotion alone. They must be built on institutional foundations—rules-based transit, transparent water-sharing, fair trade, and security cooperation. Bangladesh needs safeguards for sovereign decision-making; India needs assurance on connectivity and stability.
1971: A Bond, Not a Bargaining Tool
For both nations, 1971 is a moment of shared sacrifice and pride. But relationships cannot be forever tied to their origin story. More than five decades later, priorities have shifted, new generations have emerged, and national interests have evolved.
Honouring 1971 means upholding sovereignty, dignity, and fairness—not using history as leverage.
Toward a Future of Trust and Equality
If Bangladesh and India truly value their shared legacy, they must now rebuild their relationship on the foundations of equality and mutual respect. The past brought them together, but it is the future that now demands a new framework—one defined by trust, balance, and shared interests.
Only then can the two neighbours move from managing tensions to building a truly collaborative partnership.
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