Rokan's Journal

Introduction

South Asia is a region marked by historical conflicts, deep-rooted rivalries, and complex geopolitical dynamics. Among the major players in this region, India has consistently pursued a dominant role, both in terms of its defense policies and its foreign relations. This pursuit of regional hegemony has created significant tensions, particularly with neighboring countries like Bangladesh.

India’s transformation into a regional power with a growing arsenal of advanced weapons and infrastructure has fueled its ambitions to assert dominance over South Asia. However, this has led to an increasing sense of insecurity among its neighbors, particularly Bangladesh, which has often found itself at odds with India on various issues. From water disputes to political interference, the relationship between these two nations has been fraught with challenges that underscore the broader implications of Indian hegemony in the region.

Historical Context of India-Bangladesh Relations

The relationship between India and Bangladesh has been shaped by a complex mix of cooperation, conflict, and competition since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. India played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, which initially led to strong ties between the two nations. However, as Bangladesh began to assert its sovereignty and independence, tensions emerged.

The historical context is essential to understanding the current state of India-Bangladesh relations. India, as the larger and more powerful neighbor, has often sought to influence Bangladesh’s internal and external policies, leading to a perception in Dhaka that India is overstepping its bounds. This perception has been exacerbated by a series of disputes, including water-sharing issues, border conflicts, and India’s alleged interference in Bangladesh’s domestic politics.

India’s Hegemonic Aspirations in South Asia

India’s ambitions to dominate South Asia are rooted in its geopolitical strategy to secure its borders, extend its influence, and establish itself as the preeminent power in the region. This strategy has led to a series of policies and actions that have been perceived as hegemonic by its neighbors.

India’s military interventions in neighboring countries, its economic dominance, and its efforts to shape the political landscape of South Asia are all manifestations of this hegemonic drive. The Indian government has pursued a policy of strategic depth, seeking to create a sphere of influence that extends across the region. This has often put India at odds with its neighbors, who view these actions as threats to their sovereignty and independence.

The Security Dilemma in South Asia

The concept of the security dilemma is highly relevant to the dynamics between India and Bangladesh. In an anarchic international system, where states are responsible for their own security, any attempt by one state to increase its security can lead to increased insecurity for others. This is particularly true in South Asia, where historical animosities and ongoing disputes have created a highly volatile environment.

For Bangladesh, India’s growing military capabilities and its pursuit of advanced weapons systems, such as the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, are seen as direct threats. These developments have led to a heightened sense of vulnerability in Bangladesh, prompting concerns that India could use its military superiority to coerce or intimidate its smaller neighbor. This security dilemma has fueled an arms race in the region, with Bangladesh seeking to bolster its own defenses in response to India’s actions.

Water Disputes and Environmental Concerns

One of the most contentious issues in India-Bangladesh relations is the sharing of Transboundary Rivers, particularly the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Teesta rivers. These rivers are vital to Bangladesh’s agriculture, economy, and overall well-being. However, India, as the upper riparian state, controls the flow of these rivers, leading to disputes over water-sharing agreements.

The Teesta River dispute, in particular, has been a source of tension for decades. Despite numerous rounds of negotiations, the two countries have been unable to reach a comprehensive agreement on the equitable sharing of the river’s waters. Bangladesh has accused India of diverting water for its own use, leading to severe shortages downstream. This has exacerbated environmental degradation and increased the vulnerability of Bangladesh to floods and droughts.

India’s control over the flow of water from these rivers is seen by many in Bangladesh as a form of environmental coercion, where India uses its upstream position to exert pressure on Bangladesh. This has further strained relations between the two countries and reinforced the perception that India is using its geographical and economic advantages to dominate the region.

Political Interference and Sovereignty Issues

Another significant issue in India-Bangladesh relations is India’s perceived interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. India has been accused of supporting political factions and leaders in Bangladesh who are seen as sympathetic to Indian interests. This has led to allegations that India is undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and attempting to shape its political landscape to suit its own strategic objectives.

The relationship between the Indian government and the ruling Awami League party in Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been particularly controversial. Critics argue that India has supported Hasina’s government, even as it has become increasingly authoritarian, in exchange for favorable policies towards India. This has created resentment among opposition groups in Bangladesh, who view India’s support for Hasina as a violation of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a threat to its democracy.

India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s domestic politics has also fueled nationalist sentiments in Bangladesh, with many viewing India as an overbearing neighbor that seeks to dictate the country’s policies. This has led to a growing sense of unease and mistrust between the two nations, further complicating their bilateral relations.

The Impact of Indian Hegemony on Regional Security

India’s hegemonic aspirations in South Asia have broader implications for regional security. The pursuit of dominance by one state inevitably leads to counterbalancing efforts by others, creating a cycle of insecurity that can destabilize the entire region. In the case of India and Bangladesh, this dynamic has contributed to an arms race, increased militarization, and a heightened risk of conflict.

The development of nuclear weapons and advanced missile systems by India has been a significant factor in the regional security dilemma. Bangladesh, like other smaller South Asian states, faces the challenge of maintaining its security in the face of India’s growing military capabilities. This has led to a situation where Bangladesh feels compelled to seek security guarantees from other powers or invest in its own defense capabilities, further escalating tensions in the region.

Moreover, India’s efforts to assert its dominance in South Asia have also strained its relations with other regional powers, such as China and Pakistan. The strategic rivalry between India and China, in particular, has added another layer of complexity to the regional security environment. Bangladesh, which shares borders with both India and China, finds itself caught in the middle of this geopolitical competition, further complicating its security calculus.

Conclusion

The relationship between India and Bangladesh is emblematic of the broader challenges facing South Asia as a region. India’s pursuit of hegemony, driven by its strategic ambitions and security concerns, has created a complex and often contentious relationship with its neighbors. For Bangladesh, India’s actions have led to a heightened sense of insecurity, particularly in the areas of water sharing, political interference, and military dominance.

The security dilemma that exists between India and Bangladesh is a microcosm of the larger regional dynamics in South Asia. As India continues to assert its dominance, the potential for conflict and instability in the region remains high. For the sake of regional peace and stability, it is crucial for India to recognize the concerns of its neighbors and engage in constructive dialogue to address the underlying issues.

Only through mutual respect, cooperation, and a commitment to upholding the sovereignty of all states in the region can South Asia move towards a more stable and secure future. The relationship between India and Bangladesh, as two key players in the region, will be a critical test of this broader regional dynamic.