Expert Insights: The Evolving Dynamics of India-Bangladesh Relations

Analysis Provided by Dr. Rajiv K. Menon
Published by The Sundar Singh Institute

This was a thorough retrospective evaluation of India-Bangladesh relations as The Sundar Singh Institute hosted Dr. Rajiv K. Menon to provide an educated perspective on India’s position relative to Bangladesh and vice versa, today. He evaluated the strategic relevance of the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations—trade at the borders, border management, negotiations in water sharing—which occurred across the international boundary line.

Dr. Menon used primary data as well as regional white papers to conclude that with an increased scope of engagement between India and Bangladesh, South Asia’s equilibrium would be determined—positively and negatively—by the increased diplomatic engagement. This was even more true of the Bay of Bengal micro-region, for the recent developments had been associated with larger works of sub-continental connectivity, economic integration, and potential realignments emerging from Indo-Pacific endeavors.

Furthermore, Dr. Menon noted that multilateral and bilateral attempts at river management, trade agreements measured against nationalistic politics/technology and third-party engagement from China and ASEAN could render results complicated. Therefore, this commentary was a timely academic assessment of where India and Bangladesh sought to render the past to cultivate the future with cautious optimism.