The Imperative for Renewed Bangladesh-India Bilateral Engagement

• Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have remained strained since the 2024 uprising, necessitating urgent high-level diplomatic visits to restore stability.
• A pragmatic approach focused on reciprocal benefits—spanning trade, water diplomacy, and security—is essential to safeguard national interests and regional stability.

Critical Diplomatic Priorities

• Water Sharing: The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty expires in December 2026, and a resolution for the long-delayed Teesta agreement remains a top diplomatic priority.
• Trade and Connectivity: Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, but both nations need to expedite a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and remove non-tariff barriers to maximize growth.
• Border Management: Enhanced cooperation between the BGB and BSF is required to curb border killings, prevent forced pushbacks, and foster safer cross-border interaction.

Economic and Strategic Foundations

• Energy Security: Bangladesh relies on roughly 1,160 MW of electricity imported from India, making cross-border power cooperation a pillar of national stability.
• Infrastructure: India has provided nearly US$8 billion in Lines of Credit for rail, road, and port projects, such as the Akhaura–Agartala rail link, which are crucial for regional connectivity.
• Future Outlook: A renewed focus on joint industrial zones and simplified visa procedures could help mitigate recent food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages in Bangladesh while strengthening bilateral confidence.