INDIA’S SUPPORT FOR BANGLADESH AMID POLITICAL CRISIS AND TRANSITION

Why in the news?

India is navigating its response to Bangladesh’s political turmoil, supporting interim leader Muhammad Yunus while addressing domestic critiques and regional relationship challenges.

Support for Dhaka Amidst Political Turmoil:

  • Indian Ambassador Pranay Verma’s presence at the swearing-in of Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, sends a positive signal to Bangladesh.
  • India must continue to support Yunus and the armed forces in restoring order and protecting citizens, including safeguarding minority rights, particularly for Hindus.

Addressing Challenges and Reflecting on India’s Role:

  • India should avoid focusing solely on the Hindu minority, as it could complicate relations with Bangladesh’s new regime.
  • Amid the chaos in Dhaka, Yunus and the army are working to prevent violence and secure crucial state structures like the police.
  • India’s explicit support is critical to preventing further deterioration of the situation.
  • India’s domestic discourse, often blaming external forces like the CIA, ISI, or China, must be reassessed.

Strategic Reflection and Future Action:

  • Delhi needs to understand the roots of the revolution led by Bangladesh’s student movement and engage with its leaders.
  • An internal review should be conducted to understand why Indian agencies failed to anticipate the political crisis.
  • Corrective actions are essential for future regional policy.
  • India should focus on building stronger regional relationships through sensible economic policies, political dispute resolution, and diplomatic efforts, confident in the resilience of its relationship with Bangladesh.
source:worldatlas
Significance of Bangladesh for India:

  • Trade Corridor: Bangladesh serves as a vital corridor linking India’s Northeast with the rest of the country, enabling access to international markets.
  • Regional Security: A stable and friendly Bangladesh is crucial for regional security; cooperation on counter-terrorism and border security is essential for peace in South Asia.

Economic Partnership:

  • Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia.
  • India is the second-largest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
  • The economic relationship aligns with India’s foreign trade goals and supports its ambition of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy.
  • Regional Cooperation: Active collaboration between India and Bangladesh is key to the success of regional forums like BIMSTEC and SAARC, promoting economic and technical cooperation in the region.

About Radcliffe Line:

  • Division: Separated British India into India and Pakistan.
  • Named After: Sir Cyril Radcliffe, the architect and chairman of the Boundary Commissions.

Geographic Split:

  • Western Side: Divided West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and India.
  • Eastern Side: Divided India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Current Borders:

  • Indo-Pakistani Border: The western Radcliffe Line still serves as the border between India and Pakistan.
  • India-Bangladesh Border: The eastern Radcliffe Line is now the India-Bangladesh border.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/india-bangladesh-relation/