B.Mirror Desk: There is no such thing as permanent enemies or permanent friends in diplomacy. There are national interests, mutual needs and opportunities for discussion. In the current reality of Bangladesh-India relations, a courtesy meeting on Monday has brought that old diplomatic truth to the fore.
No door in diplomacy is closed forever. No matter how deep the differences, keeping the path of dialogue open is the most effective strategy in state relations. There may be problems between two neighboring countries; but turning that problem into hostility harms both countries. Rather, the greater the crisis, the greater the need for dialogue.
Monday’s courtesy meeting between Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman cannot be seen as a mere formal meeting. This is his first meeting with the Indian High Commissioner after assuming office as Prime Minister. At a time when there is discomfort, distrust and tension between the two countries on various issues, this meeting has given an important political and diplomatic message – despite differences of opinion, the door to relations cannot be closed.
Bangladesh and India have gone through a difficult time in the last two years. After the political changes of August 5, 2024, tensions between the two countries increased rapidly. Due to restrictions on visa procedures, reciprocal summons at the diplomatic level, border-centric disputes and political statements, the space of mutual trust has weakened. Communication between the common people of the two countries also faces various obstacles.
However, it would be wrong to view public emotions and state diplomacy as one. There may be anger or dissatisfaction among a section of the people of a neighboring country. There are such examples in different countries of the world. But responsible governments do not make that emotion the only basis for conducting state relations. Considering national interests, they maintain communication and seek solutions to differences.
Such pragmatic diplomacy was also needed in Bangladesh-India relations. But during the interim government, the heated political rhetoric surrounding India and mutual suspicions further complicated the relations between the two countries. Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s comments on India’s northeastern region or the ‘Seven Sisters’ also created discomfort in Delhi. The statements of some advisors to the then government also did not help create an atmosphere of trust between the two countries.
The biggest question is – despite the increased political distance with India, has Bangladesh been able to reduce its dependence on India in economic reality? Reality does not say that. Imports of goods from India have continued. However, due to visa complications, border problems and various commercial restrictions, the common people and businessmen of Bangladesh have faced problems. In other words, despite the increased distance in political rhetoric, the economic reality has kept the two countries close to each other.
The success of foreign policy is not determined only by the number of foreign visits or participation in international conferences. It is necessary to see what real benefits that contact is bringing to the country. Although there were many expectations about Bangladesh’s activeness in the international arena during the interim government, the desired success has not been achieved in terms of Rohingya repatriation, expansion of the labor market, visa facilities, or facilitating communication for Bangladeshis abroad.
The Rohingya crisis is the biggest example of this. The long-term stay of a large number of Rohingya is putting pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, environment, and security. However, there has been no significant progress in safe and dignified repatriation. The new influx of Rohingya has made the situation more difficult. Effective diplomatic efforts with regional and international powers, including Myanmar, are essential to resolve this problem.
Similarly, it has become difficult for Bangladeshis to obtain visas for studying, working, and doing business abroad. The expectation of bringing visa centers of various European countries to Dhaka has also not seen any significant progress in reality. Strict visa policies of various countries and the contraction of the labor market have created new suffering for Bangladeshi citizens.
In this context, the BNP government has taken initiatives to bring Bangladesh’s foreign policy back to a national interest-centered and pragmatic direction after taking office. In the meantime, some positive achievements have been made in Bangladesh’s position in the international arena. The improvement in Bangladesh’s passport status and the election of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly are important diplomatic achievements. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit to Malaysia is also significant. The Malaysian labor market is very important for Bangladesh. After the visit, efforts to reactivate the labor market have been strengthened. This means that foreign policy is now not only about political relations, but also about the economy, employment and people’s well-being.
There is also an attempt to connect it with interests.
The same pragmatic stance is being taken in the case of India. Efforts are being made to resolve the problems in the relationship through talks rather than denying them. There are also indications of interest in normalizing relations from the Indian side. Dinesh Trivedi’s appointment in Dhaka carries special significance in this regard.
Former Indian Union Railway Minister and BJP leader Dinesh Trivedi is not a professional diplomat. Therefore, the fact of sending an active politician as High Commissioner in the 55-year history of relations between the two countries carries a special significance. After taking charge in Dhaka, his speech also emphasized the common interests and communication between the two countries.
On June 25, he took charge as the 16th High Commissioner of India in Dhaka by presenting his credentials to the President. After that, he had several meetings with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. After taking charge, India has also gradually taken initiatives to normalize visa procedures. However, in the meantime, new discomfort has arisen over several issues such as push-ins at the border, border killings and the political activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is in India.
In such a situation, the meeting of the Indian High Commissioner with the Prime Minister is important. Because the decision to continue communication despite the tension is a sign of diplomatic maturity.
There are examples of why Bangladesh’s relations with India are important in our daily lives. When there is a crisis of any agricultural product, it is possible to stabilize the market by quickly importing it from neighboring countries. Recently, after the price of green chilies increased abnormally, an initiative was taken to control the market by importing it from India. This small incident shows that normal relations with neighbors also have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary people.
The relations between the two countries are not limited to trade alone. Many important issues such as power, energy, communication, border management, security, river water and regional cooperation are associated with it. Economist Professor Mostafizur Rahman has also emphasized on maintaining normal Bangladesh-India trade.
There are more important challenges ahead. The Ganges Water Sharing Agreement is nearing its expiration. Political will and continuous discussions are needed between the two countries to reach a new agreement on this issue. The same applies to the Teesta Agreement. To resolve long-standing unresolved issues, discussion, not tension, should be the main tool.
Friendship does not mean agreeing on everything. Again, differences do not mean hostility. A mature state remains firm in its own interests, while also taking into account the interests and sensitivities of other countries. This balance is also important in Bangladesh-India relations.
Bangladesh wants friendly relations with India. However, that relationship must be based on equality, respect and mutual interests. Just as any activity against the interests of Bangladesh is unacceptable, Bangladesh’s territory should not be allowed to be used against India in any way. Similarly, it is Bangladesh’s logical right to expect that Indian soil should not be the center of political or any other activity against Bangladesh.
One thing also needs to be clear to India – Bangladesh should not be seen as a ‘Big Brother’ attitude, but as an equal neighbor and partner. Border killings, push-ins, water distribution, trade balance or political activities – solutions should be sought with mutual respect and sensitivity on each issue.
The focus of Bangladesh’s foreign policy should be ‘Bangladesh First’. This does not mean separating from any country; rather, building balanced relations with all by giving utmost importance to national interests. Just as friendship with India is necessary, protecting Bangladesh’s interests is equally important.
The geographical location, history, economy and people-to-people contacts of Bangladesh and India have deeply linked the two countries. Therefore, cooperation, not conflict, should be the way forward in relations.
The meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi could be the beginning of that new path. There will be many difficult issues ahead, and there will also be differences of opinion. But to sustain relations, agreement on all issues is not necessary; regular communication and discussions are needed.
If Bangladesh and India forget the bitterness of the past and move forward based on mutual respect, equality, trust and national interests, then the relations between the two countries can enter a new positive chapter. Bangladesh’s position is clear – we want friendship with our neighbors, but it must be with dignity. No friendship is made by sacrificing the interests of the country; Rather, a relationship of mutual cooperation while protecting interests should be the core philosophy of Bangladesh First diplomacy.