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GETTING AROUND A BOYCOTT

Syllabus:

GS-II : (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

Why in the news?

“India-Bangladesh relations strained by the ‘India Out’ campaign in Bangladesh, risking economic partnership and ongoing negotiations.”

source:wordpress

About Navigating a Boycott: India-Bangladesh Relations:

• Backdrop:
  • Bangladesh’s geographic proximity to India and historical ties have made the “India factor” significant in its domestic politics, fueling occasional anti-India sentiments.
  • Instances of oppositional alliances, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have often taken anti-India stances, citing concerns about soveeignty and political autonomy.

• BNP’s Political Manoeuvring:
  • The BNP, facing political decline, has resorted to tactics like boycotting elections and endorsing movements like “India Out” to regain political traction.
  • Despite not officially endorsing the boycott, key BNP figures have expressed support for boycotting Indian products, signalling a shift in strategy.

• Leadership Contrasts:
  • Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has driven Bangladesh’s economic growth and social development, positioning the country for graduation from the Least Developed Countries list by
  • In contrast, BNP’s declining influence and organisational strength have led some of its leaders to align with anti-India sentiments to bolster their political standing.

• Economic Partnership:
  • The economic partnership between India and Bangladesh has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s prosperity, facilitated by shared borders, transportation links, and trade relations.
  • India’s proximity allows for efficient trade and supply of essential commodities, construction materials, and transportation infrastructure, contributing to Bangladesh’s economic stability and development.

• Potential Risks:
  • The intensification of the “India Out” campaign threatens to disrupt ongoing negotiations, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), between India and Bangladesh.
  • If sustained, the boycott could impact various sectors, including trade, infrastructure development, and bilateral relations, hindering Bangladesh’s economic progress.

• Youth Perspective:
  • Younger generations in Bangladesh prioritise economic development and diplomatic cooperation over political rhetoric and boycott movements.
  • Educated and moderate youths view India as a crucial partner in Bangladesh’s economic growth and are supportive of deepening ties and collaboration between the two countries.

Understanding the significance of Bangladesh to India :

• Geopolitical Importance:
• Being a neighbour, Bangladesh’s stability directly impacts India’s security.
• The shared border and cooperation are crucial for addressing common security challenges, such as terrorism and illegal migration.
• Strategic Cooperation:
• Bangladesh’s strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia and Southeast Asia is pivotal for India’s Act East Policy.
• Closer ties with Bangladesh facilitate India’s outreach to ASEAN nations and enhance regional connectivity.
• Economic Partnership:
• India is one of Bangladesh’s major trading partners, and bilateral trade has been growing steadily.
• Enhanced economic cooperation benefits both countries, fostering trade, investment, and economic development.
• Cultural Affinity:
• India and Bangladesh share deep-rooted cultural ties, history, and heritage.
• People-to-people connections contribute to fostering goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations.
• Regional Stability:
• Stable and friendly relations between India and Bangladesh contribute to overall regional stability in South Asia.
• Collaboration between the two countries can address common challenges and promote peace and prosperity in the region.

Challanges:

• Geopolitical challenges:
  • Border disputes: Long-standing disagreements over the demarcation of the shared border, particularly in Assam and Tripura.
  • Illegal immigration: Flow of migrants across the border, causing socio-economic-political challenges in bordering Indian states.
• Economic challenges:
  • Non-tariff barriers: Lengthy customs procedures and bureaucratic red tape hampering trade.
  • River water sharing: Disagreements over sharing water from 54 cross-border rivers.
• Connectivity challenges:
  • Lack of infrastructure: Insufficient connectivity hindering economic development.
  • Unresolved border disputes: Comilla-Tripura land border and maritime border issues.
• Security challenges:
  • Terrorism: Alleged involvement of Bangladesh-based groups in attacks in India.
  • Insurgency: Suspected presence of insurgent groups running camps in Bangladesh.
• China factor:
  • Increasing Chinese investments, particularly in infrastructure and energy projects.
  • Influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and investments in Chittagong port.
• Energy challenges:
  • Water-sharing disputes: Tensions over distribution of waters from common rivers like Brahmaputra and
  • Teesta river dispute: Delay in implementing 2011 agreement due to disagreements.
  • Farakka barrage dispute: Concerns over diversion of Ganges water affecting Bangladesh.

Way forward :

• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: India should continue to view Bangladesh as a crucial partner in the region and work towards enhancing cooperation in various fields.
• Addressing Border Issues: Given the significance of the India-Bangladesh border, efforts should be made to manage and resolve any outstanding border disputes in a peaceful and amicable manner.
• Advancing ‘Act East’ Policy: India’s ‘Act East’ policy should be further pursued to deepen engagement with Bangladesh and other regional partners, countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Promoting Stability and Cooperation: Both countries should strive to maintain stability in the region and collaborate on addressing common challenges, such as terrorism, climate change, and transnational crime.
• Exploring Economic Opportunities: Discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) should be progressed to foster greater economic partnership and attract investments for mutual benefit.

Conclusion:

In the age of globalisation and economic interdependence, the outdated notion of boycotting products as a political tool is losing relevance.Sustainable economic growth and development require collaborative efforts and partnerships, emphasising the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.As both nations navigate through challenges posed by boycott movements, fostering mutual trust and cooperation remains paramount for ensuring long-term prosperity and stability in the region.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-out-campaign-bangladesh-9250607/

Mains Practice Question:

“Discuss the implications of the ‘India Out’ campaign in Bangladesh on bilateral relations, regional stability, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Analyse the role of historical factors, political dynamics, and economic interests in shaping the discourse and outcomes of such campaigns.”