Resetting Dhaka-Delhi Relations on Equal Terms

It is encouraging to note that Bangladesh-India relations is now well poised for a fresh start. According to media reports, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today, while the Bangladesh premier is expected to visit New Delhi in September. 

We, however, welcome these renewed diplomatic efforts after a period of political uncertainty and recent tensions over Sheikh Hasina’s audio address between two countries. The proposed engagements offer an opportunity to restore and renew diplomatic ties based on equality, reciprocity and mutual respect. Both sides should therefore use this opening to create space for frank discussions on unresolved bilateral issues.

Against this backdrop, we expect both countries to handle sensitive matters through dialogues through official diplomatic channels. Both Dhaka and Delhi should avoid turning disputes and differences converting into public confrontations. Nevertheless, political disagreements should not prevent cooperation on issues that affect the people of both countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed September visit to New Delhi to attend the BRICS outreach session is particularly significant, as it could provide an important platform for substantive discussions. 

Our bi-lateral ties have markedly become heavily burdened by mistrust since Sheikh Hasina's departure for India. A face-to-face meeting between the two leaders could begin separating Bangladesh�"India relations from the Sheikh Hasina question for sure. Unresolved and contentious issues may not have immediate solutions, but sustained negotiations can certainly help narrow differences and produce mutually acceptable outcomes.

Energy cooperation offers another promising area for closer engagement. Dhaka has sought Indian assistance with diesel supplies, power-grid technology, smart-grid systems and technical training. Also, it has reportedly identified around 25 areas for cooperation in the sector. Amid Bangladesh’s continuing energy challenges, India’s reported willingness to explore these areas is, of course, promising. But it needs to be ensured that such cooperation remains transparent, commercially viable and mutually beneficial to both countries. In addition, greater cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and connectivity could strengthen economic ties and build confidence.

Ongoing diplomatic efforts deserve appreciation because dialogue remains the best way to manage differences between neighbours. At the same time, a reset will have real meaning only if it produces progress on issues where Bangladesh has long been kept waiting with long overdue unresolved issues. Dhaka should pursue its national interests firmly but constructively, while India should give due consideration to Bangladesh’s concerns. Both sides should also establish regular mechanisms for discussing difficult issues before they become larger disputes. And both countries must also recognise the fact that diplomacy, in whatever form, is a two-way affair and in order to maintain sustainable ties, it requires respecting the other’s sovereignty, hold good-faith negotiation and focus on fair solutions.

In the end, we believe the current opening offers a valuable chance to move beyond recent tensions and build Dhaka-Delhi relations on equal footing.