The visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit comes at a crucial time in New Delhi-Dhaka relations. Though the present government is the friendliest for New Delhi the relations are perhaps the most complex one in the subcontinent. Despite its role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, India is often perceived as serving its own self-interests against Pakistan. With the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1972, the two countries attempted to improve their relations but to no avail. As a result, decades-old issues concerning land, water, illegal migration, and border security still remain, as does Bangladesh’s seeking of favourable access to Indian markets, particularly for its widely exported garment products. Hasina’s government has gone the extra mile to address New Delhi’s security concerns by cracking down on Northeast rebels operating from Bangladeshi soil. It is also engaged in a fierce countrywide battle against Islamist terrorism as exemplified by the recent security operation in Sylhet to flush out extremists holed up in a residential building. In fact, Bangladesh’s ongoing anti-terror measures protect India’s eastern flank from radical elements. Add to this Bangladesh facilitating transit of Indian goods through its territory and acquiescing to New Delhi’s connectivity concerns – Hasina’s visit is likely to see the finalisation of a deal for Indian use of Chittagong and Mongla Ports. Alongside, there is a push for a 25-year bilateral defence pact with Dhaka, envisaging enhanced cooperation between the two militaries. The pact – or related MoUs – should serve the interests of both countries and be packaged as well as conceptualised as an effort towards jointly fighting terrorism, a problem for both nations. Plus, Bangladesh has been waiting for a Teesta River water sharing deal. But objections from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have held this up. New Delhi would do well to reassure Dhaka and find a way to implement the deal. Bangladesh today is one of India’s strongest partners. It would be smart to be generous on water with Bangladesh, even as India can take a tough stand on water issues with Pakistan as long as Pakistan remains unyielding on the terror front.
