Bangladesh-India Relations: Fifty Years of Friendship and Partnership

Abstract

How can one understand the narratives on Bangladesh-India relations over the last 50 years? What are the key issues in Bangladesh-India ties? How can Bangladesh-India ties be deepened further in the next fifty years or beyond? This paper investigates these questions. It argues that though Bangladesh and India have experienced ups and downs in the post-1975 era, under Sheikh Hasina regime (2009-present), a golden chapter has been scripted in their bilateral ties. The paper argues that Bangladesh and India need each other for their mutual interest. Thus it is suggested that strengthening and widening the existing development partnership and people to people contacts becomes essential for the benefit of the people of these two countries and beyond.