India played a decisive role in Bangladesh emergence by strategic, humanitarian and economic concerns, providing military support, diplomatic backing and shelter to refugees, ultimately leading to Pakistan’s defeat.

Compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh –

• Massive refugee influx, border instability, and potential Chinese intervention prompted India’s decisive role.
• India sought to limit China’s growing presence in East Pakistan, protecting regional interests.
• India aimed to prevent East Pakistan’s instability from spreading, threatening regional peace and security dynamics.
• Over 10 million Bengalis fled to India, imposing immense humanitarian and economic burdens, prompting intervention.
• Pakistan’s brutal suppression, massacres and rapes of Bengalis sparked international outrage, prompting India’s intervention.
• India struggled to provide for 10 million refugees, straining resources, infrastructure and economy, necessitating action.
• India sought to protect trade routes, access Chittagong port and maintain economic influence in the region.
• Shared Bengali language, culture and heritage created strong emotional bonds, driving India’s support for Bangladesh.
• International diplomacy compelled India to support Bangladesh liberation as India sought global backing, particularly from the Soviet Union.

In conclusion, India’s decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh was prompted by a complex interplay of strategic, humanitarian, economic and cultural factors. While India’s actions were driven by a mix of self interest and altruism, they ultimately contributed to the creation of a new nation and a more stable regional order.