The Evolving Diplomatic Dance Between India and Bangladesh: Bridges or Barriers?

Abstract

India and Bangladesh, sharing a 4,096-kilometer border, have historically maintained a multifaceted relationship characterized by cooperation and contention. The relationship between India and Bangladesh, like that of any South Asian neighbors, is deeply connected with civilization, culture, social and economic aspects. Bangladesh not only shares the legacy of the struggle for independence and liberation with India, but both also experience each other’s deep emotions with a brotherly bond. This partnership is reflected in the multifaceted activities at various levels of their relationship. High-level exchanges, visits, and meetings regularly take place, along with extensive person-to-person interactions on a broad scale. This research paper examines the evolution of their diplomatic ties, recent developments, including the cancellation of defense contracts, trade restrictions, and unresolved water disputes, to assess whether these nations are building bridges of collaboration or erecting barriers of discord. The primary aim of this research paper is to examine contemporary India-Bangladesh relations, which are significantly influenced by the foreign policy strategies of both nations. While the relationship between India and Bangladesh often exemplifies a strong and cooperative bond between neighboring countries, it is not without its areas of friction. This study seeks to explore the complexities of this bilateral relationship, the areas of ongoing conflict, and the various dimensions of cooperation that define their interactions.

Keywords:- India-Bangladesh Relation, Trade, Water Treaty, Bilateral Relations, Diplomacy