Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Epaper

Can India be Bangladesh’s friend and partner in a free Indo-Pacific?

Published : Friday, 15 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 1442
Rajeev Ahmed
Lets be clear: Bangladesh understands the need for border security. However, Indias approach to securing its frontier with Bangladesh often feels excessive and disrespectful. Equating our shared border with the US-Mexico situation is a dangerous fallacy. Our two nations share a long history and cultural ties, a stark contrast to the US-Mexico dynamic.

Heres where the problems truly lie. The BSFs "shoot-on-sight" policy has claimed far too many Bangladeshi lives. These aren hardened criminals, but often poor farmers or families simply trying to cross the border illegally to access resources or markets. The resulting narrative in Indian media about Bangladesh as a source of instability paints an unfair picture.

The issue goes beyond immediate casualties. Enclaves, tiny pockets of Bangladeshi territory within India and vice versa, were a constant source of friction for decades. While the 2015 Land Swap Agreement was a positive step, implementation delays and disputes over remaining enclaves continue to stoke tensions.  Furthermore, Indias ambitious river-sharing projects upstream significantly impact water flow into Bangladesh, affecting agriculture and livelihoods. These issues, coupled with the BSFs heavy-handed tactics, create a deep sense of frustration and anger among Bangladeshis.

Theres a palpable shift in sentiment across South Asia. Countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and yes, Bangladesh, are experiencing a rise in anti-Indian sentiment that goes far deeper than mere populism. It stems from a growing perception of Indian "neocolonialism," a feeling that India exerts undue influence over its neighbours for its own benefit.

Indias economic clout can be a double-edged sword. While it presents opportunities for regional trade and investment, it can also lead to a sense of exploitation.  Subsidies for Indian businesses can distort markets, making it difficult for Bangladeshi firms to compete. Additionally, concerns linger about the true nature of Indian investments. Are they fostering genuine development or simply securing access to Bangladeshi resources and markets?

Indias perceived political interference further fuels resentment.  Micro-managing internal affairs of neighboring countries, or backing certain political factions, creates suspicion and undermines democratic processes.  Bangladesh, for instance, has long been wary of perceived Indian attempts to influence its domestic politics.

The "big brother" attitude often associated with Indias foreign policy alienates its neighbors.  A collaborative approach, one that respects the sovereignty and interests of smaller nations, is essential.  Indias true leadership potential lies in fostering a win-win situation, where regional prosperity is built through cooperation, not dominance.

Indias pro-Western business elite presents a fascinating, yet troubling, paradox.  These individuals, often seen as champions of globalization, frequently champion policies that exacerbate existing inequalities within India and across the region.  This focus on short-term profit at the expense of shared prosperity fuels a potent cocktail of anti-Indian sentiment and hinders genuine regional cooperation.

The "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality often championed by Indias elite has limitations in the real world.  While increased trade and investment can bring benefits, the current model often results in a skewed playing field.  Large Indian corporations, backed by both domestic capital and preferential treatment from the government, can easily outcompete smaller businesses in neighbouring countries.  This stifles entrepreneurship and creates a sense of economic neocolonialism, where Bangladesh and others become mere markets for Indian goods, not true economic partners.

The consequences of this elite-driven model extend beyond economics.  The stark wealth disparity within India creates a sense of detachment from the struggles faced by its neighbours.  Bangladesh, for example, grapples with issues like poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.  While Indian businesses may invest in some sectors, they often overlook the social fabric of the region.  This lack of investment in areas like education and healthcare creates a long-term drag on regional development, fostering resentment and hindering genuine cooperation.

The perception that India dictates the foreign policy of its neighbours, particularly Bangladesh, is a major concern and a growing source of friction. This "Delhi Grip" fosters resentment and undermines regional stability.  In response, countries like Bangladesh are increasingly bypassing India to engage directly with the West, ASEAN, and even China. This trend highlights the need for India to shed its outdated "gatekeeper" image and embrace a more collaborative approach to regional security.

The "Delhi Grip" goes beyond mere perception. Historically, India has been seen as exerting undue influence over the foreign policies of smaller nations in South Asia.  This can take various forms, from pressuring neighbours to vote a certain way at international forums to backing specific political factions within neighbouring countries.  While India may view such actions as promoting regional stability, they are often seen as attempts to control and dictate.

The 21st century is witnessing a growing desire for strategic autonomy among South Asian nations.  Bangladesh, for instance, is actively pursuing a "balanced diplomacy," engaging with a wider range of partners beyond just India.  This includes strengthening ties with the West, forging closer economic partnerships with ASEAN nations, and even cautiously engaging with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Several factors contribute to this shift.  The growing economic and military might of China presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Bangladesh.  While wary of Chinas assertive behaviour, Bangladesh sees potential benefits in economic cooperation through BRI projects.  Similarly, a multipolar world offers Bangladesh the chance to diversify its partnerships and secure better deals on trade, investment, and security assistance.

A truly "free and open" Indo-Pacific can only be achieved through a rules-based multilateral order, not through a system of regional dominance.  Open communication channels, where all nations have a voice, are crucial for addressing shared security concerns like terrorism, piracy, and climate change.  India must embrace this reality and shed its "gatekeeper" image.

For Bangladesh, the path forward is clear: a balanced approach.  We must diversify our partnerships while maintaining good relations with India.  This includes fostering local innovation and self-sufficiency for long-term development, a strategy recently outlined by our Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.

The choice before India is stark.  It can continue on its current path, potentially pushing its neighbours closer to China.  Or, it can embrace a more cooperative strategy, fostering regional trust and enhancing its standing as a responsible leader in the Indo-Pacific.  The latter path, one built on mutual respect and shared prosperity, is the only way to achieve a truly "free and open" Indo-Pacific, a region where Bangladesh, and all nations, can truly thrive.

The future of the Indo-Pacific hinges on Indias next move.  Will it choose a path of dominance or partnership?  The answer will determine not just the regional balance of power, but also the well-being of millions across South Asia.  The time for India to choose is now.

The Author of Bengal Nexus, and the Editor of geoplits.com



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
This is right time to dismantle RAB
Beware of fireworks on the eve of new year 
Peace in Myanmar, region depends on lasting solution to Rohingya issue
What to do for physical and mental health 
Goodbye 2024: A year marked by new escalated conflicts
Accountability is a must-but how?
Comrade Moni Singh: A legend of sacrifice in politics
A better tomorrow with the awakening of 2024
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: district@dailyobserverbd.com, news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close