Yunus keen to improve ties with India, says adviser

India and Bangladesh share a complex, historically rich, yet at times strained relationship, rooted in shared culture, geography, and India's pivotal role in Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. The recent signal from Dhaka, conveyed by an adviser, indicating a keenness to improve ties with New Delhi and prioritize economic decisions, such as rice imports, based on national interest and cost rather than politics, represents a significant diplomatic overture. This move aims to ease existing strains and potentially recalibrate the bilateral engagement.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Historically, India-Bangladesh relations have seen periods of both warmth and coolness. While India provided crucial support during Bangladesh's independence, subsequent decades have witnessed various challenges, including border disputes, illegal immigration, water sharing issues (most notably the Teesta River dispute), and trade imbalances. More recently, policies like India's National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have caused considerable apprehension in Bangladesh, leading to diplomatic unease. Concerns over border killings and perceived Indian dominance in trade have also contributed to occasional strains. In this context, Bangladesh's declaration to prioritize economic considerations, specifically regarding essential commodities like rice, signals a pragmatic approach. Rice is a staple food in Bangladesh, and its import often becomes a sensitive issue, susceptible to political influence and public sentiment. By stating that such decisions will be driven by cost and national interest, Dhaka implicitly acknowledges that past decisions might have been influenced by political factors and signals a desire for a more transparent, economically rational framework for engagement.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

* **India:** The Government of India, particularly the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce, are central stakeholders. Indian farmers and exporters benefit from stable trade relations, while security agencies focus on border management and counter-terrorism cooperation. India's 'Neighborhood First Policy' and 'Act East Policy' are directly impacted.

* **Bangladesh:** The Government of Bangladesh (currently an interim administration, though the signal likely reflects a broader national intent), the Ministry of Commerce, and Bangladeshi consumers (who rely on stable food supplies, especially rice) are key. The political establishment, including figures like the unnamed 'Yunus' and his advisers, play a crucial role in shaping diplomatic narratives. Bangladeshi businesses and importers are also directly affected by trade policies.

* **Regional Bodies:** Organizations like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) are indirectly stakeholders, as improved bilateral ties between two major members strengthen regional cooperation efforts.

**Why This Matters for India:**

This development holds immense significance for India. Economically, Bangladesh is a crucial trading partner and a vital market for Indian goods, including agricultural products like rice. Stable and predictable trade relations are essential for India's economic interests and for ensuring food security in the region. Geopolitically, Bangladesh is strategically located at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, making it a cornerstone of India's 'Neighborhood First Policy' and 'Act East Policy.' A stable, friendly Bangladesh is critical for India's regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and managing border issues. It also plays a role in countering growing Chinese influence in the Bay of Bengal region. Politically, improved ties foster greater trust and cooperation, paving the way for resolving long-standing issues like water sharing and enhancing connectivity projects (e.g., BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement).

**Historical Context and Future Implications:**

The foundation of India-Bangladesh relations was laid during the 1971 Liberation War, where India provided extensive support. This shared history often underpins the unique bond. However, post-1975, relations have oscillated. The current overture from Dhaka could mark a renewed phase of pragmatic engagement. In the future, this shift could lead to enhanced economic cooperation, including smoother trade flows, investment opportunities, and the development of crucial connectivity infrastructure (road, rail, waterways). It might also facilitate progress on complex issues like the Teesta water-sharing agreement and improved border management. However, challenges remain, including managing the issue of illegal immigration, ensuring effective border security, and addressing domestic political sensitivities in both countries. India's ability to maintain strong ties with Bangladesh is vital for its regional leadership aspirations and its broader strategic goals.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

From India's perspective, this aligns directly with **Article 51 of the Indian Constitution**, which mandates the State to 'endeavour to promote international peace and security; maintain just and honourable relations between nations; foster respect for international law and treaty obligations; and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.' India's foreign policy is guided by the **'Neighborhood First Policy,'** which prioritizes friendly relations with contiguous countries, and the **'Act East Policy,'** which seeks to enhance engagement with Southeast Asian nations, for which Bangladesh serves as a crucial land bridge. The **Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992**, and various bilateral trade agreements and protocols also govern the economic dimensions of this relationship. The emphasis on 'national interest' and 'cost' in economic decisions by Bangladesh is a practical application of sovereign economic policy, aiming for optimal resource allocation and market efficiency.