Indo‐Bangladesh relations: An overview of limitations and constraints

Abstract

Historic links, economic interactions and geostrategic interests make India and Bangladesh vital to each another. As one of the main immediate neighbours surrounding Bangladesh, India naturally occupies a pivotal position in its foreign policy. The geographic conditions, economic interactions, energy supplies, trade links, ethno‐cultural proximity and historical linkages provide a plethora of opportunities for close, cordial and co‐operative relations between the two countries. Sufficient opportunities and incentives exist for developing relations beneficial to both the parties. However, despite the growing trade linkages and opportunities, fundamental structural problems inhibit the realisation of their full economic potentials. An attempt is made in this paper to examine the factors that limit and contrain the strengthening of Indo‐Bangladeshi relations. The paper seeks to examine six broad issues, namely, migration, insurgency, border disputes, anti‐Hindu violence, Ganges sharing and trade disputes. On each of these areas, both sides adopt conflicting positions or minimise their relative importance to the bilateral relations.