Question

Review the matters of consent and disconsent in between India and Bangladesh.

Hint:

When discussing bilateral relations, it is effective to structure your answer with clear headings for "Cooperation" and "Conflict." For India-Bangladesh, the successful Land Boundary Agreement (2015) is a key positive example, while the unresolved Teesta water sharing is the most prominent negative example.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires an analysis of the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh. It asks to review both the areas of cooperation and agreement ("consent") and the areas of conflict and disagreement ("disconsent"). A balanced answer should cover both aspects of this complex relationship.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Matters of Consent (Cooperation and Agreement):
Despite some challenges, the India-Bangladesh relationship is generally positive and rests on a strong foundation of cooperation.
1. Economic Cooperation: India and Bangladesh have a robust trade relationship. Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia. Cooperation extends to improving connectivity through road, rail, and waterways to facilitate trade and transit.
2. Historical and Cultural Ties: India played a crucial role in Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, a fact that forms the bedrock of their friendship. The two countries share a common linguistic and cultural heritage, particularly with West Bengal, which fosters strong people-to-people ties.
3. Resolution of Long-Pending Issues: The two countries have successfully resolved complex and long-standing disputes through diplomacy. The Land Boundary Agreement was ratified in 2015, peacefully settling a decades-old border issue. They also amicably settled their maritime boundary dispute through international arbitration.
4. Security and Disaster Management: Both countries cooperate closely on counter-terrorism and security matters. They also have joint mechanisms for disaster management, especially concerning floods and cyclones which are common to the region.
Matters of Disconsent (Disagreement and Conflict):
Several issues continue to be sources of tension.
1. Water Sharing of Trans-boundary Rivers: This is the most contentious issue. While the Ganga Waters Treaty (1996) was a success, there has been no long-term agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta river and other common rivers. This is a major political irritant in Bangladesh.
2. Illegal Immigration: The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh into India, particularly in Assam and West Bengal, is a sensitive political issue in India. India's implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has raised concerns in Bangladesh.
3. Border Management and Killings: Although both sides cooperate, incidents of killings of Bangladeshi nationals by Indian border security forces (BSF) during attempts at illegal crossing or smuggling remain a source of public anger and diplomatic friction.
4. Rohingya Refugee Crisis: While India has provided humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, Bangladesh has sought more proactive support from India in pressurizing Myanmar to take back the refugees, a stance on which India has been cautious.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The India-Bangladesh relationship is marked by significant matters of consent, including strong economic cooperation, shared history, and the successful resolution of border disputes. However, matters of disconsent persist, primarily concerning the sharing of river waters like the Teesta, illegal immigration, and border management issues.