Concept Note

India and Bangladesh have maintained a strong bilateral relationship based on common history, culture, and geography. Over the years, this connection has grown via mutual collaboration in trade, security, and cultural exchange. Due to the critical importance of India-Bangladesh relations, the future of India’s Northeast region is inextricably linked to its strategic location and proximity to Bangladesh. Given the recent political developments in Bangladesh, there is a need to further build upon the existing relations and explore the opportunities for the future.

Strategic Importance of the Northeast Region

The Northeast region of India shares an 1,880 KM long border with Bangladesh. The region's physical proximity makes it an important conduit for connectivity and trade between the two nations. The region's unique position also provides several potentials to improve the cross-border infrastructure, promote regional integration, and strengthen economic, social, cultural, and people-to-people linkages- essentially keeping in mind the present scenario.

Enhancing Economic Cooperation

Trade and economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh have expanded significantly, with Bangladesh emerging as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia. The communities living along the India-Bangladesh border stand to benefit immensely from this economic engagement, particularly through the establishment of border trade points, special economic zones, and increased connectivity. Assessing the impact of these developments is crucial in the current context.

Cultural and Social Links

The Northeast region of India has strong cultural and ethnic ties with Bangladesh, offering unique opportunities to foster people-to-people relationships. Activities such as tourism, cultural festivals, and academic partnerships can capitalize on these ties, creating a solid foundation of mutual understanding and goodwill. In light of recent developments, exploring how people-to-people relations can be further strengthened is essential.

Border Management and Security

India-Bangladesh border issues such as cross-border smuggling, illegal migration and insurgencies are some of the challenges that require coordination from both sides. Because of the historical and ethnic factors, the border serves as a bridge for trade and cultural exchange. Enhanced security cooperation coupled with people-centric border management strategies can address these challenges while fostering regional trust and stability. 

Geopolitical and Regional Dimensions

The Northeast region of India serves as a vital economic and cultural link between India and Bangladesh and a strategic asset in the South Asian geopolitical landscape. By utilizing regional frameworks like BIMSTEC and the BBIN, both nations can work on regional and global challenges such as climate change, energy, food security, trade, investment and development, environment, and people-to-people contact.

Boosting tourism can be a special area of cooperation and can be used as a vehicle for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Besides, the Act East Policy centered on the three pillars of culture, connectivity, and commerce, seeks to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic partnerships with Indo-Pacific countries. Focusing on these dimensions is key to maximizing India-Bangladesh collaboration under this strategy.

Developmental Challenges and Opportunities

The Northeast region of India and the adjacent areas of Bangladesh face unique developmental challenges, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and rural development. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts. Both countries can explore, ways to work together.

Youth-Centred Development of Bilateral Ties

Engaging young people through diverse collaborative initiatives can foster a deeper understanding and build a strong foundation for long-term cooperation. Both nations should work together to create platforms for youth engagement, encouraging them to contribute to the growth of bilateral ties. Empowering the next generation is essential for ensuring that the India-Bangladesh relationship remains vibrant.

Given the recent development in the political landscape of Bangladesh, the Northeast region plays a crucial role in revitalizing the enduring bond between India and Bangladesh.

Agenda

10:00-11:30 AM IST

Welcome: Mr. Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence

Chair: Amb. Riva Ganguly Das, former, Secretary East, MEA

Panellists:

·       Amb. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, former envoy to Myanmar, Member Governing Council, Asian Confluence

·       Dr. Prabir De, Professor, RIS, New Delhi

·       Dr. Smruti Pattanaik, Research Fellow, IDSA

·       Dr. Monish Tourangbam, Director, KIIPS

·       Smti. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, Shillong Times

Question from Audience

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