Historical Background

  • 1971 Liberation War – India’s decisive military support led to Bangladesh’s independence and laid the foundation of a strategic partnership.
  • Treaty of Friendship (1972) and Land Boundary Agreement (1974) – Established the legal framework for peaceful borders and cooperation.
  • Golden Chapter (2009‑2024) under Sheikh Hasina
  • 2015 Land Boundary Agreement resolved 22 enclaves.
  • Bilateral trade rose to USD 13 billion in FY 2023‑24.
  • India became Bangladesh’s largest trading partner in South Asia.
  • Interim Period (2024‑2026) – Political turbulence after the student‑led revolution and Hasina’s exile to India heightened anti‑India sentiment.

Economic & Energy Cooperation

  • Trade (FY 2025): Total bilateral trade USD 13.51 billion (India exports USD 11.46 bn, imports USD 2.05 bn).
  • Energy:
  • Bangladesh imports 1,160 MW of electricity from India.
  • Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (1,320 MW) built with Indian assistance.
  • India‑Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline supplies high‑speed diesel.
  • Lines of Credit: Approximately USD 8 billion for roads, railways, ports and a USD 500 million Defence LoC.
  • SAFTA provides duty‑free access on most tariff lines.

Connectivity Projects

  • Akhaura‑Agartala Rail Link – Enhances trade and people‑to‑people contact.
  • Maitree Setu (Feni River Bridge) – Connects Sabroom (Tripura) with Ramgarh (Bangladesh).
  • Revival of historic rail routes: Haldibari‑Chilahati, Petrapole‑Benapole.
  • Inland Waterways under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade.
  • Use of Chittagong and Mongla ports for Indian cargo.

Security Concerns under the New BNP Regime

  • Insurgency Safe Havens: Alleged shelter to ULFA, NDFB and other Northeast groups.
  • Extradition Demand: BNP may seek Sheikh Hasina’s return to face trial.
  • China Influence: Potential acceleration of BRI projects and dual‑use infrastructure at Mongla/Payra ports.
  • Minority Rights: Risks to Hindu minorities could trigger refugee flows into India’s Northeast.
  • Border Politics: Jamaat‑e‑Islami gains in border districts, raising infiltration and smuggling threats.

Policy Recommendations for India

  • Pragmatic Engagement: High‑level visits and dialogue with the BNP while insisting on concrete security guarantees.
  • People‑to‑People Connect: Easier visa regimes for medical tourism and education.
  • Economic Leverage: Fast‑track Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as Bangladesh graduates from LDC status in 2026.
  • Clear Red Lines: Zero tolerance for insurgent bases, protection of minorities, and no dual‑use Chinese assets.
  • Domestic Coordination: Synchronise actions with border‑state governments (West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram).

Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • 1972 Treaty of Friendship – Mutual respect for sovereignty and non‑interference.
  • 1974 Land Boundary Agreement – Settlement of enclaves and exchange of territories.
  • South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) – Framework for duty‑free trade.
  • India‑Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Agreement (2020) – Energy cooperation.

Significance for India

  • Stabilising Bangladesh is crucial for the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
  • Secure Siliguri Corridor (the “Chicken’s Neck”) against insurgent infiltration.
  • Economic interdependence mitigates geopolitical risks from China and Pakistan.

Potential UPSC Questions

  • Historical treaties, trade figures, connectivity projects, security challenges, and policy options.
  • Analytical essays on how India can balance security concerns with economic cooperation under changing political regimes in Bangladesh.