The prime ministers of India and Bangladesh have signed 10 agreements which aim to boost bilateral ties in various areas such as digital, maritime, transportation, and more. The two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation in the digital and energy sectors, as well as resolving the issue of Rohingya refugees and promoting regional cooperation. Among the major outcomes of the talks was India's decision to send a technical team to Bangladesh for a mega project to conserve and manage the Teesta river.
India-Bangladesh Relations: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Addressing Key Issues
India and Bangladesh share a strong and historic relationship, rooted in shared values, culture, and geography. In recent years, the two countries have deepened their cooperation in various fields, with a focus on boosting trade, improving infrastructure, and resolving outstanding issues.
Recent Developments
On September 6, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh signed 10 agreements during a virtual summit. These agreements aim to enhance bilateral ties in the following areas:
Background
India and Bangladesh have a long history of cooperation and engagement. The two countries were part of the same British colony and gained independence in 1947. Since then, they have worked together on a number of initiatives, including:
Key Issues
1. Teesta River Water Sharing: India and Bangladesh are currently working on a project to develop a barrage on the Teesta River, which will provide water for irrigation and flood control in both countries.
2. Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Bangladesh is hosting over a million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar. India has pledged to provide humanitarian assistance and help resolve the issue.
3. Regional Cooperation: India and Bangladesh are both members of regional organizations such as SAARC and BIMSTEC, and they cooperate on issues of mutual interest, including security and economic development.
4. Border Management: India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometer border, and there have been occasional incidents of cross-border violence and infiltration. The two countries are working to strengthen border security and improve communication between their border guards.
5. Trade and Investment: India is one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners. The two countries are working to increase trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
FAQs
1. What are the key areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh? Digital connectivity, maritime cooperation, railway transportation, power exchange, sharing of waterways, energy cooperation, Rohingya refugee issue, and regional cooperation.
2. What is the Teesta River water sharing project? A project to build a barrage on the Teesta River to provide water for irrigation and flood control in both India and Bangladesh.
3. How many Rohingya refugees are in Bangladesh? Over a million.
4. What is SAARC and BIMSTEC? SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) are regional organizations that both India and Bangladesh are members of.
5. What is the current trade volume between India and Bangladesh? Approximately $18 billion (2021-22).
During a speech in Jerusalem commemorating October 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heckled by screaming relatives of victims of Hamas attacks. The protesters, some of whom had lost loved ones in these attacks, shouted at Netanyahu for over a minute, demanding action to secure the release of captives still held in Gaza. These events come after pressure on the Israeli government to restart negotiations for a hostage release deal, which have been obstructed by the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
In the recent assembly election in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the victory of the National Conference-Congress alliance over the BJP signifies a peaceful and democratic triumph over the decades-long shadow of guns in the region. The rigged 1987 election, which led to the entry of terrorism in Kashmir Valley, still lingers in the minds of the local population. However, the recent election, which saw participation even from separatists, proves that democratic processes can prevail over extremism. The bold move of the central government to abrogate Article 370 and integrate Kashmir with the rest of India has allowed for this progress.
As India commemorates the 78th Infantry Day on October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to extend their greetings and salutations to the ranks and veterans of the Indian Infantry. Paying tribute to their courage, valor, and duty, PM Modi also shared pictures of jawans deployed on international borders, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the vital role they play in protecting the country. While observing the historic day that marks the landing of the first Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also conveyed best wishes to the brave infantry personnel and their families.
After a series of attacks by Iran, which included missiles being fired at Israel on October 1st, the Israel Defense Force retaliated with air strikes on Tehran, Khuzestan, and I
The US has declared that the recent air strikes by Israel against Iran should put an end to the direct conflict between the two countries. The White House has stated that Israel's retaliation to Iran's attack, which was in response to the assassination of a Hezbollah leader, should mark the conclusion of this exchange of fire. While the US remains fully prepared to support Israel and respond to any future provocations from Iran, they are urging for a de-escalation in the Middle East tensions. The Trump administration also emphasized the role of President Biden in encouraging a more measured approach from Israel.
Israel has launched multiple air strikes on military bases in the Iranian capital of Tehran, resulting in reported casualties. The Israeli Defense Forces claim the strikes were in response to continuous attacks from Iran, while Iran's foreign ministry defends their right to defend themselves. In the ongoing conflict, Hezbollah has also claimed responsibility for drone attacks on an Israeli airbase and an intelligence headquarters.
Germany's Minister of Defense is seeking approval for the purchase of 600 advanced versions of the Taurus missiles, which could potentially be used to strike high-value targets in enemy territory. The estimated cost of the purchase is $2.3 billion, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029. The missiles would be capable of penetrating air defenses and have a dual-stage warhead for maximum destruction. This move by Germany could escalate tensions on the global stage, with potential concerns over the use of the missiles and further strain on diplomatic relations.
Amid speculation that North Korea is sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to ratify a treaty with North Korea that would provide mutual assistance in the case of aggression from an outside force. The move has raised concerns in South Korea, with its spy agency claiming that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia and are likely to be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine soon. This development comes as Western countries accuse North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent remarks come as a boost for India's efforts towards achieving a peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Scholz praised India's reliable relations with all stakeholders and urged for a ceasefire in the region. His statement also comes in the light of appreciation from other world leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for India's support in addressing the conflict.
Indian airlines, including Air India, Indigo, Vistara, and Akasa, have received 85 bomb threats in the last 24 hours, causing widespread concern and disruptions in flight schedules. These threats are being taken very seriously by authorities, as the safety and security of passengers is of utmost importance. The investigation into these bomb threats is ongoing, with officials working to determine the source and validity of the threats.