Indo-Bangladesh Relationship
‘‘Each state follows the polities of its geography’’- Nepoleon
India is the immediate neighbors of Bangladesh with common borders. The land border with India extended over 4144 kilometers. Thus, in terms of peace along with the extensive border and overall national security, the quality of relation with India is very crucial for Bangladesh.
The break-up at Pakistan and emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state in 1971 was in the strategic interest of India .The two-nation theory on which Pakistan was created had finally failed to withstand the test at time. Ultimately, it was a victory of New Delhi. After the Bangladesh War of independence of 1971, India’s position was further strengthened. During the war India proved to be the closest and strongest ally of Bangladesh .But following independence, the transition in the direction was marked by many ups and downs even during the life time of Shikh Mujib.
Lord Polmerston gave a dictum in 18th century -In international relations we have neither permanent enemies nor perpetual friends, but only permanent interests. This quotation would appear more as a truism for Indo-Bangladesh relations than any other instance. Though Bangladesh has emerged as an independent state with Indian support, it has inherited bitter relations with India from Pakistan .This animosity has its root in the British imperial policy of divide and rule.
During the early phase at relation with India, three crucial bi-lateral issues come up. They were – A. Sharing of Gangas Waters on a permanent basis, B. The d elimination of sea boundary in the Bay of Bengal and, C. Redrawing the land boundary between the two countries.
These issues could have been party resolved during the term of government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Bahman who was close to and respected by the Indian leaders. Besides these, there are some other issues which are so important now for a good Indo-Bangladesh relationship.
Bangladesh’s Strength and Weakness
India is the immediate neighbors of Bangladesh with common borders. The land border with India extended over 4144 kilometers. Thus, in terms of peace along with the extensive border and overall national security, the quality of relation with India is very crucial for Bangladesh.
The break-up at Pakistan and emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state in 1971 was in the strategic interest of India .The two-nation theory on which Pakistan was created had finally failed to withstand the test at time. Ultimately, it was a victory of New Delhi. After the Bangladesh War of independence of 1971, India’s position was further strengthened. During the war India proved to be the closest and strongest ally of Bangladesh .But following independence, the transition in the direction was marked by many ups and downs even during the life time of Shikh Mujib.
Lord Polmerston gave a dictum in 18th century -In international relations we have neither permanent enemies nor perpetual friends, but only permanent interests. This quotation would appear more as a truism for Indo-Bangladesh relations than any other instance. Though Bangladesh has emerged as an independent state with Indian support, it has inherited bitter relations with India from Pakistan .This animosity has its root in the British imperial policy of divide and rule.
During the early phase at relation with India, three crucial bi-lateral issues come up. They were – A. Sharing of Gangas Waters on a permanent basis, B. The d elimination of sea boundary in the Bay of Bengal and, C. Redrawing the land boundary between the two countries.
These issues could have been party resolved during the term of government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Bahman who was close to and respected by the Indian leaders. Besides these, there are some other issues which are so important now for a good Indo-Bangladesh relationship.
Bangladesh’s Strength and Weakness