Economic Cooperation Crucial to Determine Future of India-Bangladesh Relations

July 04, 2013

New Delhi: Economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh should remain immune to political changes on either side, feel the think tanks of both the countries. To discuss the course of future cooperation, the 4th IDSA- Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Bilateral Dialogue on ‘Future of India Bangladesh relations’, was organised by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on July 3, 2013.

The dialogue delved upon issues like the future of India Bangladesh relations in the changing global and international dynamics, issues of trade, investment and connectivity, the role of media and the youth in India and Bangladesh and ways to engage them in furthering bilateral ties, so as to make them a major stake holder.

Bangladesh delegates argued that the past few years have seen an upsurge in the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Several agreements pertaining to trade, connectivity, co-operation on patrolling the common border have been agreed, which are geared to take the relationship to a new height.

However, not much progress has been made on issues pertaining to water sharing, transit significant progress etc, with both countries making an effort to resolve these issues in future. The two countries are trying to cooperate on the issue of coastal shipping.

The two sides agreed that both the governments need to take into account the views of people, who are critical of the government. Public opinion in Bangladesh supports good relations with India. Sheltering insurgents are things of past and is no more an option. Cultural connectivity marked by linguistic affinity would help cement the ties.

The BIISS delegation was headed by Director General, Maj General Sajjadul Haque. From IDSA, Director General, Dr Arvind Gupta led the discussion. Bangladesh High commissioner Tariq Karim delivered a special address on this occasion.