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Diplomacy Cannot Wait: The Case for an Immediate Bangladesh–India Bilateral Visit
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Whether it’s politics or the economy, neither Bangladesh nor India can ignore their dependence on each other. After Bangladesh’s mass uprising in 2024, bilateral relations remain gloomy, with little chance of stability. Again multiple issues have shaped the relations so badly. After the election under the interim government, a new BNP-led government formed in Bangladesh, but it still could not capitalise on the relations in a good fashion. Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, and India has become Bangladesh’s largest export destination in Asia. But, over the past few years, the relationship has deteriorated through a lack of trust and unwillingness to cooperate in various fields, including political and security cooperation, trade and economic relations, development partnerships, cultural exchanges and people-to-people interaction. This has also been reflected in the statements made by the top leaders of both countries in recent days.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Humaiun Kobir said, “Bangladesh would raise its concerns with India at every appropriate level while adhering to international law, border protocols and agreements between the two countries. Asked about the reported review of 101 MoUs, he said the agreements were being scrutinised as part of the parliamentary process. This clearly outlines the present circumstances between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh wants to rebuild a new relationship with India, treating India as a neighbour based on mutual interest and direct bilateral talks rather than relying on multilateral forums.”
Simultaneously, Tensions persist regarding border management incidents, concerns in Dhaka over Indian media narratives, and the political fallout concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India.
By Md. Al-Amin
For the current administration in Bangladesh, fostering a more robust and pragmatic relationship with India focuses on safeguarding national interests rather than aligning with a particular geopolitical bloc, emphasising economic collaboration, connectivity, energy security, and water diplomacy. India stands as Bangladesh’s primary trading partner in South Asia and its second-largest partner in Asia, with bilateral trade expected to reach around US$12.9 billion in FY2023–24. Furthermore, India has offered nearly US$8 billion in Lines of Credit for various infrastructure initiatives, including roads, railways, and ports, such as the Akhaura–Agartala rail link, which improves regional connectivity. In the energy domain, Bangladesh relies on imports of approximately 1,160 MW of electricity from India, highlighting cross-border power cooperation as a vital component of energy security. Renewed engagement is vital for addressing lingering disputes, especially the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty set to expire in December 2026 and the long-delayed Teesta agreement. Recent diplomatic overtures from both nations indicate potential for a bilateral reset, despite the tensions that have arisen since 2024. Therefore, maintaining ongoing dialogue is crucial for ensuring trade, managing borders effectively, and fostering long-term stability in the region.
In any case, Bangladesh should strengthen its ties with India in the areas of trade, energy, connectivity, border management, and water diplomacy. Economic growth and energy security can be supported by increasing bilateral commerce, enhancing port, rail, and road connectivity, and bolstering cross-border power cooperation. Making progress on the long-stalled Teesta deal and extending the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty before it expires in December 2026 should continue to be the top diplomatic priority. Bangladesh can safeguard its strategic and economic interests while fostering long-term regional stability with increased collaboration in these areas.
Beyond the Teesta and Ganges treaties, Bangladesh could pursue a reciprocity-based policy framework that ties deeper cooperation with tangible outcomes in trade, border security, investment, and connectivity. Dhaka could push for the removal of non-tariff barriers on Bangladeshi exports, expedite a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expand border haats and land-port modernisation, and seek mutual recognition of product standards to improve market access. It could also press for stronger mechanisms to reduce border killings, prevent forced pushbacks through coordinated BGB–BSF cooperation, simplify visa procedures for students, patients, and businesses, and encourage joint industrial zones in border areas to attract investment and create jobs.
If it is based on reciprocity and shared interests, a reinvigorated relationship between Bangladesh and India might yield substantial political and economic advantages. In terms of politics, persistent communication may boost confidence, enhance border control, and generate momentum for resolving enduring problems like regional security and water sharing. Deeper collaboration may lower logistical costs and promote long-term growth by increasing trade, drawing in more investment, enhancing cross-border energy cooperation, and improving rail, road, and port connectivity. A more sensible and balanced engagement with India might help Bangladesh maintain its national interests while boosting its competitiveness in the region as it moves into the post-LDC transition period . Hope a bilateral visit will happen soon to stabilise Bangladesh’s food, fertiliser, and fuel shortages.
Md. Al-Amin is an educator. He completed his post-graduation from the Department of International Relations at Rajshahi University,Bangladesh. His research interests are Diplomacy, Foreign policy, Border conflicts, and Security issues.
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Source: Pressenza