Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering Indian states with Bangladesh
Mains level: India-Bangladesh Relations and the Teesta Water Dispute
Why in the news?
Shortly after Hasina commenced her two-day state visit to India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar convened with her to discuss several bilateral matters.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Visit to India
Purpose of Visit: To boost bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.
- Sheikh Hasina will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- Bilateral cooperation in security, trade, commerce, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defence, and maritime affairs. Potential agreements in various sectors to enhance cooperation.
India-Bangladesh Relations and the Teesta Water Dispute
Bilateral Relations:
- Strategic Importance: Bangladesh is a key partner under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
- Trade: Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia. India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
- Connectivity: The Maitri Setu bridge over river Feni in Tripura and the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link are notable projects.
- Development Partnership: Bangladesh is India’s largest development partner with significant commitments under the Line of Credit.
- Border Cooperation: Active cooperation on police matters, anti-corruption activities, combating illicit drug trafficking, fake currency, and human trafficking.
Teesta Water Dispute:
- Controversy: The sharing of Teesta River water has been a contentious issue between India and Bangladesh, affecting bilateral relations.
- Current Status: Discussions and negotiations are ongoing to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Way Forward
- Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation: Continue to strengthen ties through regular high-level visits and dialogues.
- Resolution of Teesta Dispute: Focus on finding a fair and sustainable solution to the Teesta water-sharing issue to improve relations.
- Economic Integration: Expand trade and investment opportunities to boost economic ties.
- Infrastructure Development: Further develop connectivity projects to enhance trade and people-to-people exchanges.
- Security Cooperation: Strengthen cooperation on security issues, including counter-terrorism and border management.
- Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Promote cultural and educational exchanges to build stronger people-to-people ties.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.(UPSC IAS/2013)
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