India-Bangladesh relations hold special significance in South Asian diplomacy. India’s political, military, and humanitarian support at the time of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 laid a strong foundation for friendship and trust between the two countries. Over the past five decades, significant progress has been made in many areas, including trade, security, energy, connectivity, water resources, and cultural exchange. India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and Bangladesh’s development-oriented foreign policy have also elevated the relationship to new heights. Nevertheless, recent years have witnessed signs of tension and mistrust in relations between the two countries. This situation underscores the fact that relations with neighboring countries are not driven solely by strategic interests, but also by sensitivities, public sentiments, and mutual respect.
India and Bangladesh share a border of approximately 4,096 kilometers, India’s longest land border with any neighboring country. The two countries share deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in land boundary agreements, border management, counter-terrorism cooperation, energy trade, and regional connectivity projects. Bangladesh is today a major trading partner for India and plays a vital role in connecting India’s northeastern region with the mainland. Therefore, trust and cooperation between the two countries are essential not only for bilateral stability but also for the stability and prosperity of South Asia as a whole.
Recent changes in Bangladesh’s internal politics have impacted bilateral relations. Changes in power, political instability, and competition among various political parties have led to divergent perceptions of India’s role. Some political groups in Bangladesh have developed a perception that India is more sympathetic to a particular political force, while India has consistently prioritized stability and development. Whether factually correct or not, such perceptions undermine the atmosphere of trust and create a psychological distance in relations.
The issue of sharing the Teesta River waters has long been a major bone of contention between the two countries. For Bangladesh, the Teesta River’s waters are vital for agriculture and livelihoods. For many years, a proposed agreement has been pending for various reasons, leading to a feeling in Bangladesh that its concerns are not receiving the necessary priority. The role of states in India’s federal system also complicates the issue, but the delay in resolution has fueled mistrust. Building long-term trust appears difficult without equitable and sustainable management of water resources.
Border issues have also caused tensions in relations. Smuggling, illegal immigration, and border security challenges have often led to unpleasant border incidents. Incidents involving civilian casualties have generated widespread reaction in Bangladesh and impacted India’s image. Although the border security agencies of both countries are making efforts to enhance coordination, such incidents continue to create negative sentiments among the public. Borders between neighboring countries are not just a matter of security, but also involve human and social relations.
Issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have also raised some concerns in Bangladesh. Although India has repeatedly clarified that these are internal policies, concerns have been expressed in Bangladesh that they could have an indirect impact on future relations between the two countries. In international relations, the public perception of policies, along with their actuality, is also important, and this is why such issues sometimes become part of diplomatic debate.
China’s growing influence in South Asia is also a significant factor influencing India-Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh has increased economic and infrastructure cooperation with several countries, including China, to meet its development needs. India naturally has concerns that excessive influence by an external power in the region could impact its strategic interests. Bangladesh, on the other hand, seeks to maintain balance in its foreign policy while attracting investment and technical assistance from various countries. In this situation, transparency and dialogue become crucial for both countries.
Trade imbalances are also a contributing factor to mistrust. Although bilateral trade is growing steadily, India appears to be benefiting relatively more. Bangladesh has long sought better access for its products to the Indian market and a reduction in non-tariff barriers. Persistent imbalances in economic relations can also impact political relations. Therefore, making the economic partnership more balanced and inclusive is the need of the hour.
Social media and digital media have also impacted relations. Today, misinformation, misleading propaganda, and content inciting nationalist sentiments spread rapidly. Even minor incidents are often exaggerated on digital platforms, leading to misunderstandings between citizens of both countries. In such an environment, the responsibility of governments and media institutions to promote factual dialogue and effectively control disinformation increases.
The biggest challenge facing India is to strike a balance between its strategic interests and the sensitivities of its neighbors. As a major regional power, India’s policies naturally impact its neighbors. Therefore, an approach focused solely on national interests is not sufficient; it is equally important to understand the concerns and expectations of neighboring countries. Similarly, Bangladesh must understand that India’s security concerns, especially those related to the Northeast region, are of utmost importance to it. Both countries must respect each other’s legitimate concerns.
To restore trust, concrete steps are needed to resolve outstanding issues. Prioritizing the Teesta Water Treaty can send a positive message to both countries. Adopting a humanitarian approach to border management, increasing joint patrols and technical cooperation are also essential. To reduce the trade imbalance, Bangladeshi products can be given greater opportunities in the Indian market. Accelerating energy, transportation, and connectivity projects can make the economies of both countries more interdependent.
It is also essential to regularize and institutionalize high-level political dialogue. When there is continuous communication between the top leadership of countries, the potential for misunderstandings is reduced. People-to-people contacts should also be enhanced through education, culture, sports, media, and tourism. Trust between citizens is as important as trust between governments. Cultural proximity is a major strength of both countries and can be effectively utilized to strengthen relations.
Promoting cooperation through regional forums such as BINSTEC and BBIN would also be useful. Regional cooperation based on shared economic and strategic interests can help reduce mistrust. Joint efforts in areas such as climate change, disaster management, maritime security, and energy cooperation could bring the two countries closer.
Ultimately, India and Bangladesh’s relations are not just a partnership between two countries, but a special relationship forged by history, culture, language, geography, and shared struggles. The tensions and mistrust that have arisen in recent years certainly highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between sensitivities and strategic interests in relations with neighboring countries. Based on a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and shared development, both countries can transform current challenges into opportunities. If India and Bangladesh rebuild their relations on a new foundation of trust, not only will bilateral ties become stronger, but the path to peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia will also be paved.
