India–Bangladesh Relations: From Liberation War to Present – A Comprehensive Overview

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Context:

Since the student-led coup in August 2024, Bangladesh has been under an interim, military-aligned government. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is in exile in India, facing allegations of crimes. Calls in Bangladesh now demand India to hand her over. This political turnover has significantly impacted Indo-Bangladesh relations across strategic, economic, security, and diplomatic dimensions.

Historical Foundation: 1971 Liberation War

  • India played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s independence by supporting the Mukti Bahini and providing military and humanitarian support during the 1971 war.

  • Diplomatic recognition came immediately after independence; treaty of friendship signed in 1972.

Political & Strategic Ties

  • High-level diplomacy: Regular exchanges between PMs and top officials.

  • Border security cooperation: Coordinated patrols between BSF and BGB; tackling cross-border crimes and illegal migration.

  • Counter-terrorism collaboration: India helped dismantle insurgent bases in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Defence & Security Engagement

  • Defence Line of Credit (LoC): India extended $500 million for defence procurements.

  • Joint exercises: “Sampriti” and “Bongosagar” for army and naval cooperation.

  • Training of Bangladeshi officers in Indian academies.

  • Coastal radar stations and surveillance support.

Economic & Trade Relations

  • Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia.

  • Bilateral trade (2023–24): Over $18 billion.

  • India’s exports: cotton, machinery, vehicles; Imports: garments, jute.

  • India offers duty-free access to Bangladeshi products under SAFTA.

Connectivity & Infrastructure

  • Revival of historical rail links (Kolkata–Dhaka, Haldibari–Chilahati).

  • Cross-border buses and riverine routes functional.

  • BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement for seamless movement of goods.

  • Maitree Super Thermal Power Project and cross-border energy trade.

Technology & Digital Cooperation

  • E-governance support and capacity building in digital infrastructure.

  • Indian satellites provide communication access for Bangladesh.

  • Bangladesh joined India's COVID-19 vaccine platform (CoWIN) adaptation.

Cultural & People-to-People Ties

  • Shared language, history, and family linkages.

  • Regular academic and youth exchange programs.

  • Indian scholarships (ICCR) for Bangladeshi students.

Humanitarian Cooperation

  • India’s aid during natural disasters (e.g., cyclone relief).

  • COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy – India gifted 2 million Covishield doses.

Contentious & Sensitive Issues

  • Teesta River water-sharing: Long-pending; stalled due to West Bengal’s objections.

  • Illegal migration: Remains politically sensitive in Indian domestic discourse.

  • Rohingya crisis: India’s balanced stance; Bangladesh seeks more active role.

Recent Challenges and Developments

  • Internal unrest in Bangladesh has raised questions about India’s stakes in Hasina’s political survival.

  • Rise of anti-India narratives among opposition groups and Islamists.

  • China’s growing influence in Bangladesh (infrastructure, telecom, defense) poses strategic competition.

Conclusion

India–Bangladesh relations today stand on a foundation of deep historical trust, but face new challenges in a shifting geopolitical landscape. From being Bangladesh’s liberator to its strategic partner, India’s engagement spans security, trade, connectivity, and humanitarian efforts. However, unresolved issues like water-sharing and increasing regional competition require nuanced diplomacy to keep this relationship stable, balanced, and mutually beneficial.

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