India needs to broaden its engagement with Bangladesh beyond land-border security and give greater priority to the Bay of Bengal as a strategic corridor for trade, energy cooperation and regional connectivity, according to an article published by India Narrative.
The article argues that treating bilateral relations mainly through concerns over smuggling, trafficking, irregular migration and organised crime risks overlooking Bangladesh’s importance to India’s wider maritime and Indo-Pacific interests. It calls for a framework that combines border security with stronger economic and maritime cooperation.
Bangladesh occupies a significant position in this approach because of its access to the Bay of Bengal and its links to India’s northeastern region. A stronger maritime partnership could help New Delhi expand its regional influence while creating opportunities for connectivity and cooperation with neighbouring countries.
The Bay of Bengal connects India’s eastern coastline with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Southeast Asia. The article identifies the region as an increasingly important arena for India’s economic and strategic interests, supported by its ports, island territories, naval capabilities and commercial networks.
It argues that India should view these geographical advantages as a basis for deeper regional engagement rather than allow short-term political disputes to dominate its relationship with Bangladesh. Climate resilience and maritime connectivity should also feature more prominently in bilateral cooperation, alongside security concerns.
China’s expanding infrastructure, commercial and diplomatic presence across the Bay of Bengal presents another consideration for New Delhi. Bangladesh, meanwhile, continues to seek investment, technology and development opportunities from multiple international partners.
The article cautions against interpreting Dhaka’s engagement with Beijing as a reason for insecurity or expecting Bangladesh to align exclusively with India. It says Bangladesh will continue to pursue its own national interests and maintain relations with different powers.
Instead, the article calls on India to strengthen its position by delivering projects that meet Bangladesh’s development requirements. It identifies timely execution, transparency and financial viability as important considerations in making Indian-backed initiatives more attractive.
India’s proximity to Bangladesh, access to markets, cultural connections, energy links and understanding of regional conditions could help it build a more effective partnership, the article says.
The central argument is that India’s approach to Bangladesh should place maritime cooperation alongside border management, allowing both countries to address security concerns while pursuing shared economic and strategic opportunities across the Bay of Bengal.
