Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

The Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) organized a meeting with the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) to discuss improving the infrastructure of existing land ports and exploring new ways to promote trade and connectivity.

About Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)

It is a statutory body under the Land Ports Authority Act 2010.

It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It is responsible for developing, upgrading, maintaining, and managing border infrastructure, including Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).

The Chairperson and Members are appointed by the Central Government.

About India-Bangladesh Relations

Bilateral Relations

During Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, India played a critical role in its formation and was the first country to recognize it as a separate nation. India honours Bangladesh's Liberation Day, December 16th, as "Vijay Diwas." 

The bilateral relationship is founded on sovereignty, equality, trust, and mutual understanding.

Significance   

India is one of Bangladesh's largest trade partners. In 2023-2024, bilateral trade between the two countries was around $14 billion.

Bangladesh shares a long land, riverine, and maritime border with India, making it critical to India's security. India seeks Bangladesh's cooperation in countering China's "String of Pearls" strategy. 

Bangladesh is strategically located at the intersections of South and Southeast Asia, which make it an essential part of India's "Act East Policy" of strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations.

India and Bangladesh share transboundary rivers and ecological systems, necessitating cooperation in water management and flood control.

Area of Cooperation

India and Bangladesh are involved in a number of significant infrastructure projects, including the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, which improves connectivity between Bangladesh and India's North Eastern region, and the Matarbari deep-sea port in Bangladesh, which will strengthen industrial and trade links.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was announced in 2022 to improve trade by lowering trade tariffs and encouraging investments in services, professionals, and goods. It is expected to reduce the bilateral trade deficit while increasing economic cooperation.

The BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement, signed by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, allows cross-border vehicle movement and aims to boost economic development through improved connectivity and regional integration. However, Bhutan has yet to ratify the agreement.

The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline was inaugurated in March 2023 to transport high-speed diesel from India to Bangladesh.

Challenges

Transboundary river

India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, but only two water-sharing agreements have been signed: the Ganga Waters Treaty and the Kushiyara River Treaty.  The Teesta River water dispute is a major source of contention, with Bangladesh seeking equitable distribution of the water, which India and its state of West Bengal have yet to agree on.

Terrorism and Infiltration

Cross-border terrorism and infiltration across the Bangladesh border have raised serious internal security concerns in India. Armed dacoity in border districts, illegal money transfers, cattle smuggling, and prostitution have all stressed security relations.

China’s growing influence

Bangladesh's active participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and Chinese investments in infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, and energy, have raised concerns in India. India sees growing Chinese influence as a threat to its regional status and strategic interests.

Way Forward

India should expand bilateral economic engagement with Bangladesh, regardless of the recent political changes. India should avoid labeling political transitions as anti-India or anti-Hindu, instead should focus on cooperative relations.

India needs to strike a balance between relations with Bangladesh and China by strengthening diplomatic, economic, and defense ties with Bangladesh, especially through infrastructure projects and defense cooperation.  

India and Bangladesh should form joint task forces consisting of both countries' law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration.

Must Read Articles: 

India-Bangladesh Relation

Source: 

The Hindu

CENTER FOR JOINT WARFARE STUDIES