GS2GS2
India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
Introduction
Bangladesh shares the longest land border of any of India's neighbors and there has been historical closeness between the countries.
20 words
Main Body
Shared ties historically:
1Indian role in Bangladesh Liberation Movement against common enemy Pakistan → led to mutual cooperation and respect.
2Common Bengal: disparas across the border provide cultural proximity.
3Mutual cooperation and dialogue such as BIMSTEC and SAARC increased ties.
4Trade with Bangladesh has been high amounting to $9.7 bn.
5Open car borders under BBIN agreement signified mutual trust and open borders.
However this has shifted:
1Strategic Calculus
China's outreach to Bangladesh under Stringed Pearls policy has sparked tensions with India.
Illegal migration by Bangladesh has forced India to close and fenceoff borders.
Disputes on Water sharing such as in the Beula river have impacted cooperation.
2Regional Competition:
India & Bangladesh compete in export of products like textiles and jute.
Protectionism of trade has hindered free trade between the countries.
3Shifting domestic Politics:
Bangladesh's Interim Govt under Muhammad Yunus has focused on Islamic fundamentalism against India.
Violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh has caused ethnic tension.
Indian humanitarian asylum to Sheikh Hasina has antagonized Bangladesh.
Mutual diplomatic outreach
Reinforcing cultural ties by people-to-people contact
Cooperation in SAARC minus Pakistan, BIMSTEC, BBIN.
As our a former part of undivided India, all measures to cooperate with Bangladesh should be taken.
217 words3 paragraphs
Examiner score
1.4/10Open original scan
Page 47
Topper
Varun Tokas
AIR 1172025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
India and its Neighborhood - Relations
India-Bangladesh Relations
Bilateral Relations
Writing Stats
237
Total words
3
Paragraphs