India-Bangladesh Relations: Past Perfect, Present Tense

India and Bangladesh are part of the Indian Subcontinent and have had a long common cultural, economic and political history. The cultures of the two countries are similar; in particular Bangladesh and India's states West Bengal and Tripura are all Bengali-speaking. However, since the partition of India in 1947, Bangladesh (formerly East Bengal and East Pakistan) became a part of Pakistan. Following the Liberation War of 1971, Bangladesh gained its independence and established relations with India. The political relationship between India and Bangladesh has passed through cycles of hiccups. However, both countries today recognise the importance of good relations, regional security and South Asian economic integration. Relations have improved significantly which sought to revive Indo-Bangla relations in the emerging Asian economic order. The two countries are undertaking strategic partnerships in developing regional infrastructure, anti-terrorism, greater trade, mutual access to markets, environmental protection, hydroelectric power, energy, international co-operation and cultural relations.

Autorentext

B.V. Muralidhar is a Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, S.V. University, Tirupati. India.