Explain the areas of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.

Question 7:Explain the areas of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.

The correct answer is – India and Bangladesh are two neighboring countries in South Asia that share a complex history of political, economic, and cultural ties. While the relationship between the two countries has improved significantly in recent years, there are still areas of cooperation and disagreement that shape their bilateral relationship.

Areas of Cooperation:

1. Trade and Economic Cooperation: Both countries have developed strong economic ties over the years, with India being Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. The two countries have taken steps to strengthen their economic cooperation, including the signing of bilateral trade agreements and the establishment of cross-border infrastructure.

2. Security Cooperation: Both countries have cooperated in security-related matters, including the exchange of intelligence and joint efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime.

3. Energy Cooperation: The two countries have explored opportunities for energy cooperation, including the development of cross-border pipelines and the joint exploration of oil and gas reserves in the Bay of Bengal.

4. Regional Connectivity: Both countries are working together to enhance regional connectivity, with initiatives such as the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement and the development of cross-border railways and waterways.

Areas of Disagreement:

1. Water Sharing: One of the most significant areas of disagreement between India and Bangladesh is over the sharing of water from the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Bangladesh is concerned about India’s construction of dams and barrages upstream, which has led to reduced water flow downstream, causing environmental and agricultural damage in Bangladesh.

2. Border Disputes: The two countries have long-standing disputes over their land and maritime borders, including the enclaves, which were resolved in 2015.

3. Illegal Migration: Bangladesh has expressed concerns about illegal migration from India, which has put pressure on its resources and led to social tensions.

4. Transit Facilities: Bangladesh has also expressed concerns over India’s transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan, which it sees as giving India an unfair advantage in regional trade.

In conclusion, India and Bangladesh have made significant progress in improving their bilateral relationship, with cooperation in areas such as trade, security, energy, and regional connectivity. However, there are still areas of disagreement that require further attention and dialogue to ensure a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.