Why in the News?

• Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day visit to India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India – Bangladesh Relationship (History, Trade, Development, Culture, etc.)
• News Summary (Teesta Water Dispute)

India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship:

• India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities.
• Historical Ties:
  • India's relationship with Bangladesh dates back to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War when India provided crucial military and material assistance to help Bangladesh gain independence from Pakistan.
  • However, the relationship deteriorated in the mid-1970s due to boundary disputes, insurgency, and water-sharing issues, especially after military regimes took control in Bangladesh.
  • Stability in bilateral relations was restored when Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister in 1996, leading to the signing of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty.
  • Since then, India and Bangladesh have strengthened their cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defense.
• Economic and Commercial Ties:
  • Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching USD 15.9 billion in FY 2022-23.
  • Bangladesh exports approximately USD 2 billion to India annually.
  • In 2022, both countries completed a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
  • This agreement is crucial as Bangladesh will lose its Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026, which will impact its duty-free and quota-free access to Indian markets.
  • Consequently, Bangladesh aims to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.
• Power and Energy:
  • Bangladesh imports 1160 MW of power from India.
  • Projects like the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant and India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline are key initiatives.
  • India supports Bangladesh's energy sector through various partnerships.
• Development Partnership:
  • India has extended four Lines of Credit to Bangladesh amounting to USD 8 billion for infrastructure development.
  • High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) are a significant part of India’s assistance, focusing on human resource development and capacity building.
• Cultural Cooperation:
  • Cultural exchanges are facilitated through the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka.
  • Programs in arts, dance, and language promote people-to-people contacts.
  • The Bangladesh Youth Delegation program attracts young talent to visit India.

PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India:

• Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day visit to India.
• This will be the first incoming bilateral State visit by a foreign leader after the formation of the new government following the Lok Sabha elections.
• Sheikh Hasina was among the seven leaders from India’s neighborhood who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9.
• During the bilateral meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina, Teesta water dispute is expected to be discussed.

Controversy on the Teesta Water Dispute:

• Background:
  • The Teesta River originates in the Pauhunri mountain of Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and enters Bangladesh, joining the Brahmaputra.
  • It is the second largest river in West Bengal after the Ganga, making it crucial for both West Bengal and Bangladesh.
• Historical Context:
  • India and Bangladesh have been negotiating the sharing of Teesta waters since the early 1980s.
  • A water-sharing agreement was almost signed in 2011 during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh. However, it was halted due to last-minute objections by West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
• Recent Developments:
  • In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dhaka, accompanied by Mamata Banerjee, and expressed confidence in finding a fair solution.
  • Despite efforts, the issue remains unresolved. In a recent interview, Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the need for India to be more accommodating to resolve the dispute.
• Current Status:
  • Bangladesh seeks an equitable share of the Teesta waters to ensure sufficient water flow during the dry season.
  • India’s internal political dynamics, particularly the stance of the West Bengal government, play a significant role in the negotiations.
• Importance of Teesta Waters:
  • The Teesta River is vital for irrigation and water supply in both countries.
  • Sheikh Hasina recently urged India to show greater flexibility to resolve the issue.