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India-Bangladesh Ties Face Strain as Dhaka Weighs Future
India and Bangladesh are neighboring countries with a long shared border and many connections.
A former Indian diplomat said their relationship has become difficult.
He blamed political disagreements, economic problems and concerns about extremist groups in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India is another sensitive issue.
Bangladesh has asked about her return, but extradition would require a legal process.
The two countries also disagree about sharing river water.
China and Pakistan are trying to build influence in Bangladesh, according to the diplomat.
He said better relations are still possible if both countries work toward them.
Former Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said Bangladesh remains strategically and economically important to India.
He criticized the Muhammad Yunus period, citing worsening economic conditions, minority suffering and the release of criminals and alleged terrorists.
Chakravarty said Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and demands for her extradition complicate bilateral relations.
He argued that repairing ties is possible but depends on Bangladesh responding to India’s reported overtures.
Key disputes include Islamist extremism, the Ganga water treaty, China’s influence and Bangladesh’s relationship with Pakistan.
- Who
- Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, discussed ties with The Indian Express diplomatic editor Shubhajit Roy.
- What
- The interview assessed strained India-Bangladesh relations, including political, economic, security and water-sharing issues.
- Where
- The discussion concerned relations between India and Bangladesh; the interview location is not specified.
- When
- The interview took place on September 3.
- Why
- The relationship has been affected by Bangladesh’s political transition, Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India, economic pressures, security concerns and competing foreign influences.
India’s stated concerns
Bangladesh’s reported positions
Sheikh Hasina’s future
India’s stated concerns
Chakravarty said India must consider what would happen to Sheikh Hasina if she returned, citing concerns that Islamist groups could kill her. He also said extradition is a judicial process that Bangladesh has not initiated.
Bangladesh’s reported positions
Bangladesh has made requests concerning Hasina’s return, while some Bangladeshi lobbies reportedly want her handed over. Hasina has said she would like to return despite possible consequences.
Repairing bilateral ties
India’s stated concerns
Chakravarty said India has made enough overtures and will maintain normal people-to-people, business and educational links regardless of which government is in power.
Bangladesh’s reported positions
He said Dhaka may choose to keep relations at a low level, suggesting Bangladesh’s government will determine whether ties improve.
Ganga water treaty
India’s stated concerns
India may find it difficult to accept Bangladesh’s possible demand for larger guaranteed water flows because water availability is not growing and demand is rising.
Bangladesh’s reported positions
Bangladesh may seek more guaranteed flows when the Ganga treaty comes up for renewal, according to Chakravarty.
Key facts
- India-Bangladesh border
- The countries share a 4,096-kilometre border.
- Bangladesh population
- Chakravarty described Bangladesh as having almost 180 million people.
- River connections
- India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers.
- Existing water agreement
- The Ganga water treaty is the only river-sharing agreement cited and is due to expire in December.
- Military supplies
- Chakravarty said around 80% of Bangladesh’s military hardware comes from China.
- Trade relationship
- China is described as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner.
- India’s assistance
- Chakravarty said India is providing Bangladesh with fuel and electricity to the extent it can.
Sources
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