Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant developments that impact its relationship with India. The recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally to India since 2009, introduces uncertainties in bilateral relations . Her departure may stall progress on the Free Trade AgreemenRead more
Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant developments that impact its relationship with India. The recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally to India since 2009, introduces uncertainties in bilateral relations . Her departure may stall progress on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions initiated in October 2023, affecting market access and economic ties between the two nations.
*Key Developments:*
– Elections and Disconnect: The 2024 elections in Bangladesh were marked by the Opposition’s boycott, limited democratic space, erosion of human rights, economic downturn, and high youth unemployment .
– Student Protests: The government’s handling of student protests exacerbated tensions, contributing to Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation .
– Bangladesh Army’s Role: The army appears to be facilitating the will of the people by removing the beleaguered Prime Minister and restoring democratic processes .
*Implications for India:*
– Stability and Fundamentalism: Bangladesh’s escalating protests, financial crisis, and rising fundamentalist forces pose challenges for regional stability .
– Refugee Crisis: Instability in Bangladesh could spill over into India, affecting border security and potentially leading to a refugee crisis .
– Economic Ties: Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in the subcontinent, with bilateral trade amounting to $13 billion in 2023-24 .
– Infrastructure and Connectivity: India’s lines of credit to Bangladesh, totaling $8 billion since 2016, may be impacted by the changing political landscape .
India needs to navigate this changing landscape carefully, strengthening bilateral ties, supporting stability, and addressing shared challenges .
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India after its independence in 1947 had a broad foreign policy orientation till the end of 1980's by being 'Non Aligned' which meant not to be either aligned or against any superpower and maintaining strategic confrontation with both the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. although being ambivalent towards theRead more
India after its independence in 1947 had a broad foreign policy orientation till the end of 1980’s by being ‘Non Aligned’ which meant not to be either aligned or against any superpower and maintaining strategic confrontation with both the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. although being ambivalent towards the global ideology till cold war. Further India strongly walked on the principles of anti- imperialism, anti- racism, anti- colonialism and focused on peaceful coexistence (panchsheel) and global stability.
With the rise of globalisation in the 1980’s during Rajiv Gandhi’s era, India walked into the path of pro liberalisation and capitalism by adopting an open market economy and strengthening ties with the western powers. With the launch of “Look East” policy, India turned into a big-power in the South Asian region, forming regional organisation (allies). With this India adopted the policy of “Multi Alignment” or “Strategic Autonomy” which is an extension of “Non Alignment”, this continues till present. India thus finds itself to be “viswa guru” by maintaining friendly ties with all the countries.
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