Context-

India and Bangladesh share an extensive and multifaceted relationship, deeply rooted in history, culture, and geography. India borders Bangladesh on three sides and was the first country to accord diplomatic recognition to it. Relations between the two nations are extremely close, spanning various dimensions including trade, transport, culture, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. However, there is a pressing need to intensify relations, particularly in the area of military diplomacy. This initiative is underscored by the historical cooperation during Bangladesh’s independence struggle, where the Indian Armed Forces (Mitra Bahini) collaborated with Bangladesh’s Mukti Bahini.

The Role of Military Diplomacy

The Armed Forces of India and Bangladesh have maintained extremely friendly relations, which underscores the potential of military diplomacy to strengthen strategic ties. Military diplomacy can play several critical roles:

1.    Dispelling Hostility and Building Trust: Military diplomacy can help in building and maintaining trust between nations in a region, leading to strategic partnerships that impact all other fields.

2.    Strengthening Ties with Like-Minded Countries: Engaging in military diplomacy can help both nations strengthen their ties with other countries sharing similar strategic interests.

3.    Defence Consultations and Strategic Dialogues: Regular defence consultations and strategic dialogues, including Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues, can facilitate deeper understanding and cooperation.

4.    Sales of Weapons and Military Technologies: Facilitating the sale of weapons and military technologies can boost defence capabilities and interoperability.

5.    Training of Militaries: Joint training programs can enhance the skills and capabilities of both militaries.

6.    Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Collaborating on HADR can prepare both nations to respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters.

7.    Upskilling and Interoperability: Regular interactions and joint exercises can improve interoperability and skill levels within the armed forces.

8.    Logistic Support: Facilitating logistic support can enhance the operational readiness of both militaries.

9.    State-to-State Military Protocols: Observing regional activities and maintaining state-to-state military protocols can foster better relations.

10. Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations: Joint participation in UN peacekeeping operations can enhance mutual cooperation and global standing.

Enhancing Military Diplomacy

There is currently reasonable interaction at the top level between the two countries. However, enhanced cooperation is needed at the middle and subordinate levels. Several considerations could help achieve this:

1.    Understanding Bangladesh’s Strategic Needs: One of the primary needs is handling Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The Indian Armed Forces could interact, advise, and learn how to deal with this humanitarian issue effectively.

2.    Military Equipment and Assistance: Much of Bangladesh’s military equipment is of Chinese origin. Closer interaction would help India understand Bangladesh’s needs and provide them with appropriate equipment. India has successfully sold BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles to the Philippines, Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System to Armenia, and gifted a Missile Corvette to Vietnam. This approach could be beneficial for Bangladesh as well.

3.    Joint Military Exercises: Increasing the frequency of joint exercises involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force of both countries can enhance interoperability and readiness.

4.    Participation in National Celebrations: Military contingents from both countries can take part in each other’s national celebrations, such as India’s Republic Day and Bangladesh’s Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh).

5.    Logistics Agreement: Establishing a logistics agreement would facilitate easy replenishment of Armed Forces of both countries. Additionally, Bangladeshi military personnel could receive medical treatment in Indian Military Hospitals when needed.

6.    Exchange of Instructors: Posting instructors at each other’s training establishments can foster deeper professional ties. For instance, a Colonel level Instructor from Bangladesh could be posted at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India, and vice versa at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Mirpur, Dhaka. This exchange could gradually be expanded to other instructional establishments.

7.    Disaster Management Cooperation: Joint exercises and cooperation in maritime search and rescue operations can enhance disaster management capabilities of both navies.

8.    Training Specialists: Indian expertise in training specialists like pilots and submariners could be utilized to optimize the skills of Bangladeshi military personnel.

Strategic Cooperation and Comprehensive Partnership

Strategic cooperation and military diplomacy can enhance cohesiveness between the Armed Forces of India and Bangladesh. This would naturally lead to better understanding and resolution of bilateral issues. A formalized strategic partnership would be the first step in this process, helping both countries to develop mutually beneficial ties in various spheres.

• Cultural and Geographical Proximity : Bangladesh and India share deep cultural links. Bengali, the principal language of Bangladesh, is also spoken widely in the Indian states of West Bengal and Tripura. Bangladesh’s national anthem, ‘Sonar Bangla,’ was penned by India’s Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These cultural connections reinforce the need for closer strategic ties.
• Economic and Infrastructural Connectivity : India and Bangladesh share a long border of more than 4000 kilometers. Declaring Bangladesh as a strategic partner would significantly improve communications and security. The new deep-sea port at Matarbari is set to be a game changer for both countries. The rail link extension to Cox’s Bazar and Matarbari will enable ships carrying large containers for Bangladesh, India’s North Eastern states, and West Bengal to offload goods efficiently. Improved train connectivity through Akhaura to Agartala and via the Padma Bridge to Kolkata will facilitate seamless communication and economic interaction, creating a win-win situation for both countries.
• Political Cooperation and Development : With the Awami League winning the elections, it is an opportune moment to elevate the Indo-Bangladesh friendship. India must assist Bangladesh in various spheres, mirroring its support to Vietnam. The development of India’s Eastern and North Eastern regions can be best achieved by cooperating with Bangladesh. Strategic partnership will pave the way forward for comprehensive development and regional peace.

Conclusion

Military diplomacy and strategic cooperation between India and Bangladesh are essential for deepening bilateral relations. By focusing on shared strategic needs, joint training and exercises, and cultural and economic connectivity, both countries can build a robust and mutually beneficial partnership. The formalization of a strategic partnership will not only enhance military cooperation but also contribute to regional stability and development. As close neighbors with a shared history and common interests, India and Bangladesh have the potential to set a global example of strategic partnership and cooperation.

Source- VIF