Why in News/Relevance:
Weeks of anti-government protests in Bangladesh have toppled its long-serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and an interim government is expected to be formed.
Coverage:
General Studies- II: International Relations – India and its neighbourhood relations.
Answer Structure:
- Introduction: Progress in bilateral relations.
- Body: Major challenges for India in its Bangladesh policy in the near future.
- Conclusion: What New Delhi should do?
Answer:
Sheikh Hasina’s decision to step down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leave the country has created uncertainty for India. She has been India’s strongest ally for over fifteen years, and during this time, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has improved significantly. Trade, transit arrangements, security collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges have all seen progress.
The major challenges India could face in its Bangladesh policy in the near future:
Bilateral trade
Developments would have implications for bilateral trade. India exports a variety of goods to Bangladesh, including cotton, machinery, and food products, and imports goods like jute and fish.
Countering Anti India’s sentiment
New Delhi’s unwavering support for Hasina in the last decade has led to minimal engagement with Bangladeshi opposition groups, resulting in significant anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
Future of transit:
There are Transit and trans-shipment arrangements with Bangladesh, and India needs these for better logistics supply to its Northeast.
Jamaat-e-Islami & Pakistan factor:
Jamaat-e-Islami may have some influence over the interim government. India’s equation with Jamaat has been uneasy. Jamaat could open the door for Pakistan’s return to Bangladeshi polity, which will, in turn, impact India’s border security with Bangladesh.
The China challenge:
China is equipped with the financial resources to offer support to the government post-Hasina. A significant presence of China in Bangladesh could have adverse effects on India’s strategic and security concerns, potentially resulting in India being encircled by unfriendly or indifferent neighbours.
Therefore, it is imperative for New Delhi to promptly initiate efforts to foster positive relations with the incoming regime.
(The model answer provided by us strictly follows the word limit, the above answer is compiled in 256 words.)
Question Source: The Economic Times, 6th August,2024
