Ties with Bangladesh
By Dr Arvind Kumar
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s two-day visit to Bangladesh on 6-7 September 2011 is expected to provide further impetus to the process of consolidation of friendly relations set in motion by the visit of bangladesh Prime Minister in January 2010 and exchange of other high-level visits between New Delhi and Dhaka in recent months. While negotiating different agreements on sharing of waters and border trade between the two countries, the Indian side should not ignore the interests of the neighbouring sitates on the Indian side of the border. The growing trade imbalance in India’s favour should be brought on even scales keeping in view the Bangla sensitivities as well as the tirade of opposition parties to embarrass the present ruling dispensatiuon in Dhaka. More attention should be focused in securing India’s startegic interests with due consideration to Bangladesh sensitivities.
India’s has to be vigilant against China’s growing influence in its neighbourhood. Undoubtedly, China-obssession should not be the hallmark of India’s policy towards its immediate neighbours; nevertheless, New Delhi should convey its concerns to the particular neighbour in this regard. While accommodating Bangladesh’s genuine concerns and requirements, emphasis should be on promotion of peace and tranquility along the bordering areas. A stable, secular, and peaceful Bangladesh is India’s interests. It is hoped that the ongoing visit of India’s Prime Minister to Bangladesh will prove instrumental in cementing friendly ties between New Delhi and Dhaka.
