The Emergence Of Bangladesh Politics Essay

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

1. The emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 with the political & military support of India set the stage for Indo - Bangladesh relations. The moral & material support given by India strengthened the basis of a friendly bilateral relations built on peace & friendship. However this brotherly relationship lasted only upto 1975 and ended with the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. Since then the relations between the two nations has seen many a up and down. The dynamism in the relations are due to a number of factors like; pre 1947 historical, cultural and geographic bonds; dominant political philosophies, national interest of the two nations. Historically the relations between the two nations have been plagued by a number of disputes, the river water sharing dispute being one of the most prominent one. Since the emergence of Bangladesh the situation with regard to the aspirations, interests of both the nations have changed and so have the status of both the nations both in South Asia and the world on the whole. Keeping in mind the interplay of relations of both these nations with other nations of the region and the direct or indirect implication of the same on their bilateral relations, improvement of relations between the two cannot be ignored.

AIM

2. The aim of this study is to analyse Indo - Bangladesh relations with respect to river water sharing dispute, thereafter attempt to evolve a possible solution to the problem in order to improve their relations.

METHODOLOGY

Statement of the Problem

3. India & Bangladesh share waters of 54 rivers with India being the upper riparian and Bangladesh being the lower riparian state respectively. Bangladesh being agrarian economy uses the river water mainly for irrigation, drinking and navigation purposes. India too uses the waters for similar reasons apart from the generation of electricity and other uses. River water being vital for both the countries the river water sharing has been one of the major irritant between the two, the major issues being resource allocation and equal sharing.

4. Construction of the Farraka barrage over the Ganges, the Tapaimukh dam over the Barak, by India has caused souring of the relations between the two nations. Bangladesh being the lower riparian state, feel deprived of their rightful share over these waters and rightfully wants to make the best of it. Bangladesh claims that Indian stand on this issue has disrupted their irrigation and hence their agriculture, on which their economy is based. Other problems being river flooding, siltation, leading to desertification of some areas. India on the other hand state that these projects are hydro power projects and would also control flooding of rivers not only in India but also Bangladesh, being one of the major advantages apart from conserving and storing water to cater for the lean period.

Hypothesis

5. Resolving the long standing dispute between India and Bangladesh will enable strengthening of India Bangladesh relations.

Justification for the Study

6. The much touted shifting of global economic centre from the Western countries to Asia, places India at a place of great strategic advantage. Since 1990, Indian economy has been able to grow at a sustained rate. The inherent strengths of a consumer led economy has allowed India to successfully weather the economic slowdown of the world economy and Eurozone crisis.

7. Statistics would have us believe that India will be the leading economy of the world by 2030. However, to translate the economic prosperity into national power, India needs to have a secure environment for sustained growth and development. The secure environment that India is looking for will only be possible by having a secure and stable neighbourhood. This will be possible only by improving its relations with its neighbours. India cannot afford to remain indifferent to its relations with Bangladesh with which it shares 78.86 percent of its borders, 54 of its rivers, its language, its cultural and historical bonds. Both countries occupy strong geo-strategic location in the South Asian region and IOR. Thus resolving the river water sharing dispute that has historically been a thorn in their relations, will enable them to focus on issues like strengthening their economies, which will define their strength as a nation in the region.

Scope

8. The study will analyse Indo- Bangladesh relations and attempt to evolve a blue print of recommendations for improving their relations by resolving the river water sharing dispute.

Method of Data Collection

9. Principle mode of data has been secondary documented sources. These include available books in the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) library & open source information available on the internet. The bibliography of the sources is appended at the end of the text.

Organisation of Dissertation

10. The dissertation would be organised as under :-

(a) Introduction and Methodology.

(b) Indo Bangladesh Relations : Historical and Current Perspective.

(c) River Water Sharing Dispute: The Problems.

(d) Indo Bangladesh Relations: The Way Ahead.

(e) Conclusion.

Chapter I - Indo Bangladesh Relations:Historical and Current Perspective

11. This chapter would cover the brief history of the relations, current state of the relations, its importance for the two nations, including the negative fallouts of an unhealthy relationship.

Chapter II - River Water Sharing Dispute: The Problems

12. This chapter would bring out what the dispute is, the problems faced by both the nations with regard to water sharing. It would also bring out as to why the two nations have not been able to resolve the dispute as yet despite the various measures both political and technical taken by the two nations. Suggested remedial measures to be taken by the nations would also be highlighted.

Chapter IV - Indo Bangladesh Relations: The Way Ahead

13. This chapter would highlight how the two should engage each other to improve their relations keeping in mind their interplay of relations and their mutual interest and importance.

CHAPTER II

IMPORTANCE OF INDIA BANGLADESH RELATIONS: HISTORICAL & CURRENT PERSPECTIVE

1. General. The national interest, ideals and values form the basis on which the foreign policy and the subsequent relations between two countries depend. However the same basis may not be totally applicable to the relations between India and Bangladesh due to cultural, historical, linguistic and geographical bonds that the two countries share. Despite all this and that the two countries have no major conflict of interest, claims when compared to other countries, which cannot be resolved with some efforts the relations have failed to be warm. Among many reasons with India's growing stature in the world, probably it does not seem to be overly concerned with its relations with Bangladesh as it is with Pakistan or China. However the present developments do reflect a change in this mindset which is encouraging for both the countries. The political leaders of the two countries and their vested interest have been a major contributor to this thought process. Thus it can be seen that when the Congress and Awami League parties have been in power the relations between the two countries have seen improvement and when the more radicals have been in power especially in Bangladesh the relations tend to get colder. To be more specific in Bangladesh the Awami League is characterised as pro India. In contrast, The BNP and the Jamaat are branded as anti India. Whenever the Awami League is in power the party tries to resolve pending India Bangladesh issues, the BNP and the Jamaat launch a anti India propaganda campaign against India and the Awami League, arguing principally that the Awami League comes to power with the help of India, and that when in power it procures Indian support in exchange for subservience to India on Indian-Bangladesh problems. [1] An important reason behind this attitude on the part of the BNP and the Jamaat is that, if problems affecting Bangladesh and India are resolved, these parties will lose the foundation of their mass support, viz; anti Indianism. [2] The pre 1947 history so influenced on the masses of the Indian subcontinent, with respect to the Hindu-Muslim relations that even after decades the relations between India and Bangladesh were largely governed by the this influence. Soon after the birth of Bangladesh the resolution of the various bilateral issues begun. Among them the withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh, trial of war criminals, border demarcation, diversion of common river waters with more specifically the construction of the Farrakka Barrage in India. The Farrakka Barrage issue probably had the greatest impact on the bilateral relations. The signing of the 25 year "Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation" was signed which promised to take the relations between the two countries forward. Despite the signing of this treaty and the assistance provided to Bangladesh by India one could see the rise of anti Indianism in Bangladesh. Despite their liberation many people in Bangladesh were still associating themselves with the philosophy and ideology of Pakistan. The abortive attempts of the trial of the war criminals, dissatisfaction among the civil bureaucracy, dissatisfaction with respect to relief goods supplied by India including large scale smuggling on the borders and rumours that the Farrakka Barrage in India was turning Bangladesh was turning it into a desert were some of the reasons which some politicians and radicals used to rise anti Indianism in the people of Bangladesh. The role of media was no less significant in further adding fuel to this fire. Perhaps Shiekh Mujibir Rehman could have dealt with this situation but due to the erosion of Awami League by factionalism, staging of violent protests by the violent left and the famine of 1974 consequently began the powerful trend of right wing anti India politics which till today is being used by the rightists, who do not mind if necessary, sacrificing the interests of Bangladesh for this purpose. Due to the same differences with respect to Bangladesh also began to rise in India especially after the many concessions which India gave to Bangladesh. [3] It is remarkable that despite growing intensity of the anti India propaganda and the differences on a number of bilateral issues, Sheikh Mujibir and Indira Gandhi, succeeded in preserving a special relationship between the two countries, however in pursuit of their respective national interest they could not reach a consensus on resolving some bilateral issues. [4] 

The emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 with the political & military support of India set the stage for Indo - Bangladesh relations. The moral & material support given by India strengthened the basis of a friendly bilateral relations built on peace & friendship. However this brotherly relationship lasted only upto 1975 and ended with the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. This evolution of Indo - Bangladesh relations can be broadly classified into three phases : Pre 1971 period; 1972-1990; 1991-2012. [5] 

2. Pre 1971 Relations. The pre 1971 period relates to India's involvement in birth of Bangladesh. East Pakistan was fighting for its regional autonomy which the government sitting in West Pakistan were reluctant to grant. This turmoil had its own repercussions on India as well as Pakistan. The important question that India had to answer was that would it be worthwhile to intrude in the struggle of the East Pakistanis with a view to liberate them? And the bigger question is that why should India intrude? Was it weaken Pakistan on the west, or ensure that a friendly state on the east would be advantageous on the sensitive North Eastern states of India. Well the most obvious reason for India's interference was the large numbers in which the Bangladeshi refugees were pouring into India. [6] How the big powers took divergent stand which aided or abated India's involvement in the crisis is relevant to understanding of India's role. [7] 

3. 1972-1990. The relations immediately after the liberation tended to be cordial and friendly. The Awami League government led by Sheikh Mujibir proclaimed that "Friendship with India is a corner stone of foreign policy of Bangladesh". [8] The economic and cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan had virtually come to a standstill after the 1965 Indo Pak war. However with the creation of Bangladesh the ties between India and Bangladesh received a big boost. [9] In the beginning Bangladesh did remain under the influence of India which was reflected in its foreign policy. But in the initial years signs of strain began to appear . Bangladesh started to wean away from India and looked forward to strengthen relations with western nations and Islamic countries. Bangladesh strove to improve relations with USA and China on one hand and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on the other. [10] The first phase of the Indo Bangladesh relations came to an end with the assassination of Mujibir Rehman in August 1975. Post 1975 Bangladesh experienced direct or indirect military rule which transformed internal politics of Bangladesh. It was as if Pakistan had taken over Bangladesh once again. The military rule had two major characteristics : firstly, it wanted to revive a mindset that was reactionary and pro Pakistan; secondly it tried to establish the dominance of the muscle power in society and politics, which would lead to the creation of a new category of people who would unduly acquire privileges and resources while sustaining military rule. [11] One major impact of the military rule upon the domestic politics of Bangladesh was to reinforce the trend of anti Indianism, including a thought process that blamed India for any and every undesirable occurrence in Bangladesh, natural or man made. [12] Bangladesh had made it quite clear that it chose the membership of the America-China-Pakistan- Saudi Arabia axis in place of the preferred Indo-Russia axis. [13] With the Zia ur Rehman taking over the power a big bully image of India was projected which alienated Bangladesh from India. Despite the safeguards provided to Bangladesh in the Indira-Mujib pact there took place unilateral withdrawals of upstream waters in India which began to create greater controversies. It was during this time that the Ganga waters sharing issue was raised in the international forums. The interim agreement between Morarji Desai and Zia ur Rehman provoked criticism for both the leaders in their countries. Other problems like the Moore Island ownership, debates over maritime boundary were also responsible to further alienate the two countries. Zia diversified aid dependence, abandoned secularism and gave a place of pride to Islam in the country which indicated a shift from the Indian influence. For a short while during the time the Janata government in India was in power relations were being repaired. It was during this time that the Ganga waters issue was resolved for five years. But with a change in the government in India with Indira Gandhi coming back to power, relations again began to deteriorate further. Bangladesh now regarded India as a neighbour with whom peaceful co-existence was nearly impossible. With General Ershad took over the reigns of Bangladesh, the Ganga water sharing issue with regard to augmentation of the Ganga waters still persisted. The problem of infiltration in the North Eastern states caused further problems in the relations. General Ershad did try to resolve certain border issues as well as the diversion of the Ganga water issues including the signing of the memorandum of understanding on division of the Ganga waters which although lasted till 1984. In the above period India too suffered from a lot of political instability. A new era had begun after the death of Indira Gandhi in 1984 and Rajiv Gandhi taking over as the prime minister. Many prime ministers took over the power but focussed more on Pakistan and relegated India Bangladesh relations to the background. In Bangladesh any effort towards improving relations with India was being seen as a sell out to India.

4. 1990-2011. Post the Zia era Bangladesh was led by General Ershad, Begum Khaleda Zia and Shiekh Hasina, thus largely the from 1975 to 1996 there was a sort of continuity in the foreign policy of Bangladesh, except from 1996 to 2000 when Shiekh Hasina tried to revise that policy. With many prime ministers taking over the power but focussed more on Pakistan and relegated India Bangladesh relations to the background. In Bangladesh any effort towards improving relations with India was being seen as a sell out to India. During Khaleda Zia's tenure India and Bangladesh discussed many issues including the border and the Ganga water issue, but Khaleda Zia too resorted to internationalisation of the issue and made statements in the United Nations blaming India for the unilateral withdrawal of waters. [14] After more than twenty years the Awami League came to power. After Shiekh Hasina came to power, she prioritised two issues of which one was the division of the Ganga waters between India and Bangladesh. [15] It must be noted that after 1977 the two countries had no water sharing treaty. However in june 1996 shortly after she became the Prime Minister, she initiated discussions on Ganga waters and Indian Prime Minister too adopted a positive attitude. [16] On 12 December 1996, they signed the agreement on the division on Ganga waters. However anti India propaganda by BNP and the Jamaat deteriorated India Bangladesh relations, and in 2001 the BNP Jamaat coalition came to power once again and there was no progress in India Bangladesh relations. The trend generally continued till the Caretaker Government was in power until Sheikh Hasina led Awami League once again came to power in 2009 and India Manmohan Sigh was re elected as the Prime Minister of the Congress led coalition. It was during this time that the politicians of both the nations realised that economic relations between the two needed to be improved and for that the bilateral issues including the sharing of Ganga waters needs to be resolved amicably. Keeping in mind the attitude of the politicians of Bangladesh the Indian politicians and the political parties and their attitude is far more important. There are four determinants of positive approach of India towards Bangladesh. First India must look towards an equal partnership with Bangladesh, must rise above choosing a favourite political party and cooperate with any party that comes in power, should exhibit generosity in opening its markets to Bangladesh and lasltly attach importance to the regional and the sub regional role of Bangladesh. [17] The 2010 trip of Shiekh Hasina to India and the signing of the four agreements as also the 50 clause memoranda of understanding has been termed as a defining moment in India Bangladesh relations which included assistance in maintaining navigability of rivers, steps to share waters of 54 common rivers by means of discussion and that the Tapaimukh barrage will not be constructed and water will not be withdrawn from any river without prior information to Bangladesh.

CHAPTER IV - INDO BANGLADESH RELATIONS: THE WAY AHEAD

1. It can be seen that Bangladesh perceives the river water sharing issue as the most important outstanding issue between the two countries. Whereas India on the other hand is most concerned about the issues like insurgents & militants operating from Bangladeshi soil. There have been a number of joint committees & mechanisms evolved by the two countries for resolving the issues both countries can do a lot more than this. It is important to bring out that resolving the river water sharing dispute cannot be achieved in isolation. While substantial steps need to be taken for the same, however cooperation in the other areas concerning the two countries also will go a long way in increasing the trust and confidence between the two thus improving the relations. This implies that while Bangladesh should consider taking steps to resolve issues which concern India the most, India too should take steps that would help resolve issues that Bangladesh considers most important to them. It is likely that Bangladeshi efforts to meet the Indian concerns would give them greater negotiating space specially over the sharing of the waters, one of the primary Bangladeshi concerns vis a vis India. [18] 

2. With changing climate and worsening environmental conditions which is impacting the rivers, water sharing between the two nations will become critical in the coming years. Keeping in mind the need for water for agriculture and power generation, needs of the river system and unpredictable monsoons friction on this matter will increase. Bangladesh would bargain for a larger quantum of common water resources and want India to come to an early agreement on water sharing. The way forward is through good hydro diplomacy and consultation backed by technical knowledge to manage riparian relations between the two. It is important to keep in mind that Bangladesh cannot change its lower riparian status and thus will have to accept arrangements based on water sharing cooperation arrangements based on water sharing and not on water rights. India on the other hand has the responsibility to ensure that the equitable principles are fairly adhered to without undermining its own requirements. [19] Given the advantage that India has as an upper riparian state, it should use it to leverage its other security considerations, which Bangladesh has not adequately addressed. The West Bengal government has been advocating that India should link security issues and make it conditional on Bangladesh to deliver on that front before India agrees to any mutually acceptable solution of water sharing on the common rivers between the two states. [20] 

3. Over a period of time non consultation by India with Bangladesh on the river water sharing issue had developed a lot anti India feeling in Bangladesh, which did subside after the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty. The same approach can thus be adopted to arrive at solution of other rivers too. Impressions in Bangladesh exist that India is pro Awami League which is exploited by the Bangladesh National Party. Thus India should reach out to all political parties of Bangladesh, irrespective of which political party is in power. India should at the very beginning have built stronger institutions which could have taken timely and deliberate decisions for credible peace between the two countries. There is also a need to change the way India is conducting its diplomacy. Greater engagement with its smaller neighbours is necessary, to resolve bilateral issues. For example greater people to people to contact at all levels, visits by trade and cultural groups and greater number of visits by the leaders of the two nation would change the thinking that Bangladesh did not matter to India. Petty issues raised by the local politicians of the states in both the countries for personal mileage should not deter taking actions by the party governing the country. It would be prudent for the media not to be projecting a poorer picture of Bangladesh in India but rather project it in a positive light. Many people are of the opinion that India being the bigger and economically well advanced compared to the other nations in the region should do more for her neighbours, even if they cannot meet her aspirations. In the modern era of globalization, trade and economy will be the driving force for developing good relations. [21] India could give tariff concessions to Bangladesh to reduce trade and at the same time Bangladesh should allow transit facilities for India's North Eastern states. For resolving the bigger issues both the nations should consider solving the problems of the common man. There are a number of commonalities between the two neighbours which should be exploited for better relations and ensuring that the region grows equitably. There was a lot of scope of improving trade between the two nations. Both bigger and smaller companies have scope for development projects in Bangladesh keeping in mind the abundance of raw material India has. Increase in joint ventures and increased investment in each others industry will only help improve relations. It would not be wrong to say that despite being a strong and developed country it has not been able to develop better relations with its neighbours. Thus a few people suggested that since the issues could not be solved bilaterally the nations should adopt a regional approach as members of the SAARC community. But all this will rest on the one most important factor that is of the political will. There are also a few leaders and decision makers that while India should consider all genuine requirements of Bangladesh, she must insist of also taking note of her sensitivities and that reciprocity should be asked for each concession made. While as far as solving the river water sharing issues is concerned the international law is clear that the upper riparian state should consult the lower riparian state, however their vies or objections are not binding as a veto. [22] There is also no need to involve a third nation as well as discuss bilateral issues as a regional one, with the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty being a case in point.

4. The present Bangladeshi youth perceives India as a big neighbour, it admires India's economic growth, industrial power and political stability. It also holds India's educational institutions in high esteem and would like to have greater exchanges with them. The business community are all for free trade and would like tariffs to be reduced so that illegal trade is reduced. The common man hold s India in high esteem and those living close to the border would want to see barter trade being opened. They would also welcome more freedom of movement and relaxed visa regime with multiple entry facility, so that they can freely go to India for any purposes. The middle class feel that an easier visa regime will enable them to visit places of pilgrimage more easily, and that India should give more concessions in trade and educational facilities being more economically developed. They feel that he fencing is not a friendly act and that it will fall one day. [23] It can thus be seen that the people of Bangladesh are not too concerned with the larger issues like the water sharing but are rather focussed on improving their living standards by becoming economically sounder. Thus solving the problems of the common man should be the focus which would ultimately lead to resolving the bigger issues.

5. At the same time Bangladesh should consider moving closer to India as they are doing with China and Pakistan. Bangladesh should also stop blaming India for all its failures domestically. At the same time Bangladesh should consider moving away from Pakistan as it was moving towards becoming a failed state. This would greatly enhance trust between the two nations. Also that Bangladesh should not try and match India even though the relations between the two may be different on the political and diplomatic level. Playing of the anti India card for its smaller political gains in the country and any attempt to internationalise the bilateral issues will only harden India's stance towards issues which could have been solved amicably. While as sovereign and independent country Bangladesh should follow an independent foreign policy, it should not forget the geographical realities and the historical and ethnic ties between the two nations. Bangladesh lives in the fear of India due to its size, economy and hard power, thus afraid to lose its identity Bangladesh should also refrain from projecting India as threat which to many people stands no logic. This has resulted in excessive defense spending by the Bangladesh security forces which being a poor and a developing country cannot afford. Bangladesh should also make an endeavour to appreciate India's strategic and diplomatic compulsions. India being a large and developing country has naturally to interact more with developed nations so that she finds her rightful place in the international forums, however this does not mean that India neglects her small neighbours. [24] While expecting a few concessions without reciprocating with any offers themselves may work a few times, Bangladesh need to be responsive to New Delhi's economic and security requirements. Most Bangladeshi people feel that India should show magnanimity in resolving all the problems, being the bigger country, thus having the onus of improving the relations rests ith India , rather than it being reciprocal. Their relations with India get entangled in the internal political differences and debates of the political parties of Bangladesh even at the cost of their national interest. [25] 

6. A few suggested measures for improving relations between India and Bangladesh are given below.

(a) Foreign Policy Options. The options are to pursue the Gujral Doctrine, adopt a policy of reciprocity on each issue, adopt a flexible people friendly policy. [26] The Gujral Doctrine has historically been disadvantageous to India, however Bangladesh would get many concessions from India especially in the water sharing and reducing trade imbalance, without having to give anything in return. The point in case is the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, wherein Bangladesh did not respond to any of India's concerns. Neither did she stop insurgents from using her territory, nor did she grant transit rights to India. Thus India remained a loser on both the economic and security issues. [27] Thus adopting the Gujral doctrine may not be adopted in totality. While India should be sensitive to Bangladeshi requirements it should expect Bangladesh to respond positively to her vital security issues. At the same time expecting reciprocity for everything should also not be expected as this may cause further straining of the relations and Pakistan and China taking advantage of the same.

(b) Out of Box Options. At the higher level there is a need to create a confidence in the Bangladeshi's that India wishes her well and that India has no intentions to interfere in her internal matters. A stable progressive Bangladesh is what India wants in the neighbourhood, which is able to manage her bilateral, regional and international affairs with resolve. As has been brought out earlier resolving other outstanding issues to build mutual trust and confidence would go a long way in resolving the river water sharing issue a few suggestions are given under:-

(i) Sharing of the River Waters. India should be firm on the stand that it is the upper riparian state and that she has the right to make plans for managing and utilising the waters of the rivers as she feels correct. However also emphasise that the interest of Bangladesh would be kept in mind in each case. It would be profitable for India to inform Bangladesh of any new project well in time. All the water issues should be dealt with bilaterally and not regionally and that Bangladesh does not a have a veto should also be made clear to Bangladesh. The positive impact that the Ganga Water Treaty has had has not been adequately publicised by the media of both the nations. Thu there are apprehensions on a few dam building projects and the river linking project in India. It would thus be in India interest to invite a delegation of not only politicians but also of the actual users like farmers, agriculturists and the water management bodies to India and be taken to these dam sites to interact with the locals to learn about the benefits first hand. Likewise the media too can be invited for the same.

(ii) No Hostility Pact. India should offer Bangladesh a fifty year 'No Hostility Pact' which should provide for no territory of any of the nations be used by any anti national insurgents or militants working against each other. This would help remove apprehensions of a threat from both the minds and also help neutralize anti nation propaganda in both the countries. This would firstly remove the perceived threat from the Bangladeshi mindset and thus create congenial environment for talks on other issues.

(iii) Development Projects. Indian aid in sectors like infrastructure education, health, water, agriculture will reflect sincerity on India's part.

(iv) Land Boundary Disputes. Mutual agreement on this issue without physically dislocating population from the enclaves and peaceful demarcation of the border would avoid border clashes and enhance people to people trust and friendship.

(v) Transit Rights. Delaying or denying these to India would strain relations between the two nations. It would help her in reducing the trade deficit .

(vi) Reducing Trade Deficit. While India is keen to reduce the trade deficit Bangladesh needs to produce better quality goods that India can buy. At the same time it should encourage Indian companies to invest in Bangladesh.

(vii) Visa, Custom and Immigration Facilities. India being mostly visited by the Bangldeshi's more friendly procedures and facilities be created to frequent travellers. This India can take up unilaterally as well if Bangladesh does not respond.

7. While it is certain that resolving the other outstanding issues would go a long way in resolving the river water sharing dispute there is a need for India to have a national strategy to tackle the water sharing issues with not only Bangladesh but the neighbours with which India shares river waters. The India response as far as the water diplomacy and water policy decisions is concerned will be dependant on factors like geography, climate change, economics, plans/ programmes for utilisation of the river waters as also the changing national priorities of the neighbouring countries. [28] The various factors mentioned above are discussed in detail as under:-

(a) Geography. Geography defines the state's riparian status vis-à-vis a downstream/upstream neighbour and thus enables it to have the bargaining power in negotiating water agreements. While some experts argue that the control of headwaters gives a strategic advantage to the upper riparian, some emphasise that the geographical location of the state provides a veto advantage to an economically weak neighbour. [29] Thus depending on the geography a nations ability to take unilateral action is limited and also changes the power equations, between the two nations as far as water sharing is concerned. It is therefore now evident that geography is one of the basic factors which will determine how a nation may react to a water sharing agreement.

(b) Economics. Three factors which could potentially drive water diplomacy in South Asia are energy security, food security and export/import of hydroelectricity. [30] Rapid industrialisation will increase demands for water and prospects of revenue generation through the export of hydro-electricity could lure the smaller states towards credible and lasting water cooperation. Water resource plays an important role in economics that it gives is the relative advantage to the upper riparian states. The upper riparian may be smaller both in terms of size and economic power, but it can deprive the larger and stronger state of the much needed resources necessary to meet even its domestic demands. Thus financial aid and compensation to the lower riparian state would thus facilitate cooperation between lower and upper riparian states.

(c) Climate Change. As most rivers emanate from glaciers the climate change is one critical factor which may have disastrous consequences for most of the countries. The consequences may result in first order effects like seasonal variations of river flows; also, rivers at lower altitude could dry up thus leading to frequent droughts in that region. The second order effects could be destruction of eco-systems, sedimentation and water logging thus impacting human lives in those parts. Also the decrease in fresh water availability due to rise in sea level and consequent salinisation of groundwater would have major consequences. The increased rate of glacier melting may add to the run off of the rivers for some time, but at the same time it will also bring more snow avalanches and glacial outbursts floods(GLOFs) at high elevation thus posing risks for the existing dams and the other projects at the upper reaches of the river systems, but will also make difficult to plan any hydro projects in the future. [31] 

8. Water sharing agreements between India and her neighbours are governed by bilateral treaties and frameworks. While partitioning of rivers into western and eastern rivers prominently defines the framework for Indus Water Treaty, the sharing

of river waters is the defining element of the Ganges Water Treaty and Teesta water sharing between India -Bangladesh. [32] In all the water sharing engagements India has generally adopted a bilateral framework and Bangladesh has insisted on a multilateral framework. This different approaches by the two countries is mainly governed by the geographical locations of these nations. An analysis of the Bangladesh-India water engagement reveals that securing equitable water allocation plays a primary role in shaping the element of reciprocity between both countries. [33] Economics necessities of both the nations determines the economics determines the demand of the waters the riparian status will determine the supply part of the water sharing. Dam building and climate change is increasing the supply fears of Bangladesh.

9. India's strategy to resolve these disputes would be dependant on its own constraints and how far it can accommodate demands of its neighbours. It would be prudent to look at Bangladesh water vision before taking steps towards developing own national strategy. Bangladesh's water vision can be gauged from the objectives given under the Water Policy Plans which hinge on two factors, managing surface and groundwater resources, and developing a coastal development strategy,with the overall aim of quality management of water and maintenance of the eco-system are two. [34] The challenges towards which Bangladesh is working are as under:-

(a) Flood Control.

(b) Guaranteed water supply during the dry season.

(c) Catering for the growing water needs of a growing economy and population.

(d) Controlling river sedimentation and preventing bank erosion.

10. Thus it can be seen that geography and economics are the governing factors in the Bangladesh approach to the problem. As far as economic factors are concerned, to address the growing demands, water infrastructure in the form of barrages and multi-purpose dams has been proposed, including taking a balanced overview of irrigation facilities, fisheries, navigation, forestry and aquatic life. [35] Inland navigation has also been identified as a priority as provides it with the cheapest means of transportation. Some other challenges that they are looking to tackle are the development of an early warning and flood proofing systems to manage natural disasters like flood and drought. . The Coastal Development Strategy has been identified as a national economic policy, as much of Bangladesh is economic progress and stability is dependent on the protection of its coastline. [36] 

11. While most of the issues have been mentioned or taken into account in India's water diplomacy, prioritising seems to be a missing factor. Thus India's, the water diplomacy should consist of the basics which are as under. [37] :-

(a) Revisiting the Political Objective. Water being a finite resource can trigger conflicts and effect the regional stability. Thus the first political objective for national strategy in relation to India's water diplomacy is its direct link to regional stability. Some water experts, talk of conflicts occurring on the local and regional level, particularly in developing countries where common water resources will become critical to survival of the population. Starting from river basin priorities and then working the individual initiatives of respective countries can be an effective route to determine India's national strategy. [38] This will enable prioritising competing inter-state needs. The political objective now identified, the means for achieving it need to be considered.

(b) Explore the Means to Undertake Water Engagement. The first is resolving the needs vis-à-vis rights debate; the second is emphasising responsibility vis-à-vis ownership claims and third is reconciling costs of techno-centric models with that of socio-economic paradigms. [39] The needs vis-à-vis rights has been a major reason for tension between upper and lower riparian states across the world. Thus a need based approach rather than the assertiveness of rights is the way to solve the issues. Financial compensation to the lower riparian state could be helpful. In the case of Bangladesh, help for desalination of rivers to help better navigation or providing support for coastal defences can be some compensation. The second point and the important one from the Indian perspective is that of responsibility. For example, as far as Indo-Bangladesh relations are concerned, substantial progress has been made on mechanisms of flood management. Of late India is providing flood data regarding Farakkha for Ganga flood forecasting methods, Bangladesh has also given its consent to joint dredging by the two countries to facilitate river navigation along the Kolkata-Haldia and Karimganj river routes. [40] Consideration of the ecological, social and cultural factors is essential for increased water cooperation. Encouraging people to people contact across borders, while creating legitimate stakeholders in the process, who can participate in joint management and protection of river basins can also be an effective way of facilitating cooperation. [41] Public acceptance of proposals, was one of the ways to take into account the social factor. A combination of multilateral and bilateral approaches thus be used to solve the issue amicably. The above analysis thus suggests that a wider vision to translate policies into something more credible and viable is thus required.