India–Bangladesh Relations: With Special Reference to Narendra Modi’s Regime

Abstract

This article is an attempt to explore the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations under Narendra Modi's regime. Challenging the popular perception that is India-Bangladesh relations aggravate when Bharatiya Janata Party come into power, this article clearly indicates that India-Bangladesh relation has got new momentum during Modi’s tenure as the prime minister of India. Significant developments have been made over three key thematic areas during Modi’s government in India. These are; dispute resolution, cooperation and connectivity. However, this article also highlights a number of pertinent challenges like water dispute, non-tariff barriers, Rampal power plant and regional Rohingya issue, alleged illegal migration of Bangladeshis to India and border killings which need to be addressed carefully for a sustainable friendly relation and establish a win-win situation. The article recommends that in this age of growing interdependence and sharing, there is no alternative but to strengthen Bangladesh–India relations. Therefore, consistency in Indo–Bangladesh friendly relations needs to be maintained no matter which regime remains in power both in Dhaka and Delhi.