Khaleda Zia: a constant in India’s changing neighbourhood

Khaleda Zia, a prominent political figure and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been a 'constant' in the intricate tapestry of India-Bangladesh relations since the late 1970s. Her journey, from being the wife of Bangladesh's President Ziaur Rahman to leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and serving multiple terms as Prime Minister, provides a crucial lens through which to understand India's evolving neighbourhood dynamics, particularly on its eastern flank.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Bangladesh's political landscape was profoundly shaped by the assassination of its founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in August 1975, followed by a series of coups and counter-coups. This period of instability eventually saw Major General Ziaur Rahman emerge as the country's leader, first as Chief Martial Law Administrator and then as President. Khaleda Zia entered the political arena following her husband's assassination in 1981, taking the helm of the BNP. She led the movement against the military rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad and subsequently served as Prime Minister for three terms (1991-1996, 1996 [briefly], and 2001-2006). Her mention in Indian diplomatic records from 1979 as the wife of the then-President highlights her early exposure to regional diplomacy, long before her ascent to direct political power. Throughout her premiership, she engaged extensively with Indian leadership, including hosting Indian Prime Ministers at SAARC summits, signifying her consistent interaction with India at the highest levels of statecraft.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

* **Khaleda Zia and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP):** The BNP, under Khaleda Zia, often adopted a more nationalistic stance, sometimes perceived as less overtly pro-India compared to its rival, the Awami League. Issues like illegal immigration, border disputes, and water sharing (particularly the Teesta river) often became points of contention or slow progress during her tenures. The BNP's political ideology historically leaned towards a more Islamic identity for Bangladesh, which at times complicated relations with secular India.

* **Awami League (Sheikh Hasina):** The principal rival of the BNP, led by Sheikh Hasina (daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman), generally maintains a warmer relationship with India, rooted in India's support during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The contrasting approaches of the two major Bangladeshi parties have often resulted in a cyclical pattern of India-Bangladesh relations, fluctuating between periods of close cooperation and relative strain.

* **Government of India:** Successive Indian governments have had to navigate these internal Bangladeshi political dynamics, striving for stable and cooperative relations regardless of the party in power. India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and 'Act East' policy underscore the strategic importance of Bangladesh.

* **SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):** As a regional forum, SAARC provided a platform for leaders like Khaleda Zia and Indian Prime Ministers to interact, discuss regional issues, and foster cooperation, even if progress on bilateral matters remained challenging at times.

**Why This Matters for India and Historical Context:**

Bangladesh shares a 4,096-kilometre-long border with India, the fifth-longest land border in the world. This makes bilateral relations critical for India's security, economic prosperity, and regional stability. Historically, India played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's independence in 1971. However, the period following Mujibur Rahman's assassination saw a shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy, with subsequent governments, including those led by Khaleda Zia, sometimes seeking to balance relations with India by strengthening ties with other regional and global powers. For India, a stable and friendly Bangladesh is crucial for:

* **Security:** Countering insurgency in India's Northeast, managing cross-border crime, and preventing the use of Bangladeshi territory by anti-India elements.

* **Connectivity:** Bangladesh is a natural bridge for India to connect with Southeast Asia, crucial for the success of India's 'Act East' policy. Transit agreements through Bangladesh can significantly boost economic activity in India's landlocked Northeastern states.

* **Economic Ties:** Bilateral trade, investment, and energy cooperation (e.g., power grid connectivity) are vital for mutual economic growth.

* **Water Resources:** Sharing of transboundary rivers like the Ganges and Teesta is a perpetual and critical issue. The Farakka Barrage issue has been a long-standing point of discussion.

**Future Implications and Related Policies:**

The future of India-Bangladesh relations will continue to be shaped by internal political developments in Bangladesh, particularly the electoral fortunes of the BNP and the Awami League. While the current Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina has fostered robust ties, the potential return of the BNP to power could reintroduce complexities. India's consistent engagement, adherence to its 'Neighborhood First' policy, and focus on mutual benefits (e.g., through improved connectivity, trade facilitation, and resolution of water-sharing issues) will be paramount. The implementation of projects under the **Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)** also offers a multilateral framework for cooperation that transcends bilateral political fluctuations. The **Land Boundary Agreement (LBA)**, ratified by India as the **100th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2015**, despite initial delays and political hurdles during various governments, stands as a testament to the long-term commitment to resolving complex bilateral issues, setting a precedent for future cooperation.

From India's constitutional perspective, while there isn't a direct article governing relations with a specific country, **Article 51** of the Indian Constitution, which directs the state to promote international peace and security and foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, broadly underpins India's foreign policy objectives towards its neighbours. Policies like the 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' are strategic directives that operationalize these constitutional principles in India's external relations, making Bangladesh a cornerstone of India's regional strategy.