India and Bangladesh have a lot of history together. The two countries share cultural heritage, interests in art and a common history till the year 1947. After the Independence from British Rule, the country was a part of Pakistan with the name East Pakistan. In the year 1971, with the help of India, Bangladesh established itself as an independent nation. However, the relations went a bit downhill when Bangladesh identified itself as an Islamic nation. It developed closer ties with other Islamic nations. However, after the 1990s the bilateral relations improved with the liberalization of South Asia.
Today, both countries have concluded the Ganges water treaty and fought terrorism together. Also, they are the largest trading partners in South Asia.
The development of political relations
Both countries ended a 4-decade long border dispute by signing an accord. The Teen Bigha Corridor was leased by India to Bangladesh in 2011. 2013 witnessed the export of 500 MW of electricity daily from India to Bangladesh which will continue for the next 35 years. Also, India joined hands with Bangladesh Power Development Board and set up a coal-fired electricity plant.
In the year 2014, the visa regime was eased to provide 5-year multiple visas to minors and the elderly. The frequency of Maitree Express was increased and bus services were established between Dhaka and Guwahati and Shillong. In 2018, the 130 km long friendship pipeline was created that supplies 4 metric tonnes of diesel.
Areas of Contention
The relationship between Bangladesh and China is huge. China has huge investments in Bangladesh and helps the country with advanced infrastructure. Bangladesh on the other hand is using China’s resources at the utmost level. This is solely for achieving its goal of becoming a developed country by 2040.
Also, India was silent on the atrocities by Myanmar on the Rohingya Muslims. Also, the prolonged dispute over the Teesta River is another aspect of the conflict.