Recent years have seen India and Bangladesh strengthen their bilateral relationship, with many describing the current period as the “golden age of India-Bangladesh relations
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India signals a strong commitment from both nations to enhance their defense ties and expand cooperation in maritime security and the ocean economy. This visit underscores India’s aspirations to be a key player in regional security and a reliable counterbalance to China. For Bangladesh, there is a growing recognition of its significant interests in the Indian Ocean’s security despite its smaller size.
Recent years have seen India and Bangladesh strengthen their bilateral relationship, with many describing the current period as the “golden age of India-Bangladesh relations.” Bangladesh’s presence and influence in the Indian Ocean have grown over the past decade, driven by its desire to boost exports and continue economic development. The country’s economy, largely powered by its ready-made garments industry, is on track to graduate from the United Nations list of least developed countries by 2026. With around 90% of its international trade dependent on the sea, Bangladesh’s economic growth is closely tied to maritime security.
In April 2023, Bangladesh published its Indo-Pacific Outlook, outlining its national objectives and strategies in the region. As Bangladesh builds its maritime capabilities, India emerges as a natural and trusted partner.
Experts note a significant shift in India-Bangladesh relations from a focus on insecurity to one on connectivity and cooperation. Their geographical positions make maritime interests crucial, leading to increased interdependence. While some attribute their growing maritime cooperation to countering China, addressing non-traditional security issues like illegal fishing and human trafficking is seen as equally important.
India’s maritime strategy aims to handle both traditional and non-traditional threats while maintaining a strategic advantage in the region. This is evident in operations like Sankalp and the Indian Navy’s actions during the hijacking of the Malta-flagged Bulk Carrier MV Ruen, showcasing India’s military capabilities and readiness to maintain maritime order.
Bangladesh’s decision to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) highlights the region’s recognition of India as a supportive partner, especially for smaller nations. The IPOI addresses a range of maritime challenges, enhancing economic prosperity, sustainable development, and disaster response.
Since 2014, India has significantly increased its focus on maritime capacity development, driven by strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific region. This has translated into greater diplomatic outreach, as evidenced by Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit. India’s policy now aims to transition from being the “net security provider” to the “preferred security partner,” assisting smaller nations in managing their exclusive economic zones and responding to natural disasters.
Reflecting on the insights of historian K.M. Panikkar, who emphasized the importance of the Indian Ocean for India, it is clear that leveraging maritime opportunities is crucial. This is especially important in times of crisis, reinforcing the need for a robust maritime strategy and cooperation with key regional partners.
