The irony of the current state of India-Bangladesh relations is striking. In 1971, India played a pivotal role in liberating Bangladesh from East Pakistan, stepping in to halt the genocide of Bengali-speaking people and providing military and humanitarian support that led to the birth of a new nation.
India was the catalyst in the creation of Bangladesh. India was forced to go to war in 1971 in order to repatriate the one crore (or ten million) Bengalis who sought refuge here. The East (Pakistan) Bengalis were forced to flee due to Operation Searchlight, which saw the killing of between three lakh to thirty lakh in the indiscriminate mass killings. Equally dastardly was the mass of rape by the Pakistanis of between two to four lakh women. As a result of the wholesale violence, over as many as one crore East Bengalis entered India as refugees.
India and Pakistan went to war in 1971, which saw the creation of a new country. As many as 3,857 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the conflict, while Pakistan may have lost as many as 9,000 servicemen in the conflict.
At great economic and geopolitical cost, India championed Bangladesh’s right to self-determination, standing as a saviour against oppression.
Today, however, the relationship has soured in key areas. Despite this shared history, Bangladesh’s policies—such as bypassing India for trade deals, reportedly leaning toward Pakistan, and failing to address rising violence against Hindu minorities—betray the foundational bonds of their alliance. This drift underscores a painful contrast between India’s historic sacrifices and the current challenges in bilateral ties.
- Historical Irony: India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, offering military and humanitarian support. However, current political and social dynamics suggest a drift in Bangladesh’s policies, including a tilt toward Pakistan in certain areas, causing strategic unease in New Delhi.
- Trade and Economic Frictions: Bangladesh recently decided to import sugar from Brazil, bypassing India, despite logistical and financial advantages of buying from its neighbour. This decision comes amidst rumours that Bangladesh is also exploring imports from Pakistan, which is grappling with its own sugar shortages and relying on Brazil for supplies. Bangladesh has also imposed higher tariffs on several Indian exports, particularly agricultural goods, which has affected India’s trade interests.
- Targeting of Religious Minorities: Hindu temples and communities in Bangladesh have faced escalating violence. Reports highlight instances of desecration and targeted attacks, particularly amid political turmoil. These incidents have rekindled fears reminiscent of the Liberation War, where minorities faced severe persecution.
- Political Shifts and Influence of Pakistan: The rise of the opposition, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, has implications for India’s strategic interests. These groups are historically aligned with Pakistan and have often expressed anti-India sentiments. This shift is concerning, given India’s role in Bangladesh’s independence.
In this week’s Defence Mantra, Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale feels that it might take time, but Bangladesh will ultimately have to turn back towards India with a gesture of friendship since joining hands with Pakistan will not be sustainable for it economically.
