The allegation against India being a bully in water sharing with Bangladesh has certain realties in it but such matters have a history of complexities behind them. The fact that India has occupied an upstream position on shared rivers gives it a strong bargaining power. Bangladesh, on the other handRead more
The allegation against India being a bully in water sharing with Bangladesh has certain realties in it but such matters have a history of complexities behind them. The fact that India has occupied an upstream position on shared rivers gives it a strong bargaining power. Bangladesh, on the other hand, happens to lie downstream and thus, usually comes at the mercy of that power play. That often leads to conflict during times such as drought or flooding, where such water management decisions in India would affect serious consequences on Bangladesh.
But even so, India and Bangladesh have signed a number of bilateral memorandums for cooperation regarding water resources. They haven’t quite resolved matters; rather, India generally cites its own domestic needs, in some of these regions, connected to these rivers-for instance, West Bengal-from having its water management decisions justified.
So, even though Bangladesh’s concerns are pretty valid, the entire picture is not one-sided. The two countries must sit together and evolve means, which would result in sustainable solutions to meet the needs of both populations.
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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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