But it’s written in the starlight
And every line in you palm
We are fools to make war
On our brothers in arms
-- Dire Straits, “Brothers In Arms”
The problem with Bangladesh and India’s relationship is that it is always seen through the prism of history. And this distorts the reality. Indians seem to think, perhaps rightly, that Bangladesh owes its very inception to India. Bangladeshis think, rightly perhaps, that India meddles too much in Bangladesh’s affairs.
More often than not, some well-meaning Indian politician will wax eloquent about how the two nations are one. Separated by the whims of Radcliffe’s pen. Shared history, shared culture, shared heritage. The difficulty with this viewpoint is that while it is true about our past, it isn’t about our present. And, in the current trajectory, it is definitely not true about our future.
We are two sovereign nations -- yes, with many similarities in principles, but also distinct by stark differences. India’s economy has found its place in the world, ours is still on the second benches. Their influences on world geo-politics has grown exponentially in recent decades. Through sheer dominance, Hindi culture has become a global behemoth.
But like it or not, we are neighbours, sharing a border in as many as three sides. We need to figure out how to live together. While we hear -- and talk about -- all the benefits an Indian association can bring for us, perhaps it needs to be highlighted how useful we can be as a neighbour.
India needs stable, prosperous neighbours. As the Chinese proverb goes: “If your neighbour’s walls are on fire, it is also your problem.” One wouldn’t really want to deal with a nation of 160 million who sends out economic migrants or creates fundamentalist threats. India, like many other large nations, have tried to play God in their neighbour’s backyard.
But in the long run, as history has taught them, it never works. But what does is to ensure your neighbour is happy, well fed and prosperous. Instead of only looking at fuelling our growing consumer appetite, Indian Inc should look at the pool of manpower we have. Invest in manufacturing, in job creation.
India’s Marico has done so (and is even listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange) to its great advantage. It will be wise on Delhi’s part to encourage a more investor friendly policy for Indian companies wanting to invest here. Maybe they can top up the incentives already being given by the host country to investments aimed at SAARC countries.
This goes also to mitigating the issues of non-tariff barriers that vex Bangladeshi exporters. Pran is one of those few rare examples of making inroads into the Indian market, but the example stops at that. By encouraging Bangladesh’s goods to find a market in India, we help address the lop-sided balance of trade that the two countries have.
On the flip side, Bangladesh shouldn’t look at Indian companies only with suspicion. It was unfortunate that we said bye-bye to Tata’s proposed investment in Bangladesh’s steel, power, and chemical sectors. (Disclaimer: I was involved with the Tata project as their PR consultant).
That project not only would have brought in much needed FDI in manufacturing sectors, but also would have had a multiplier effect in developing ancillary light and heavy engineering base. From my point of view, one of the main reasons that negotiation failed was the scepticism with which we hold Indian intentions. It is still not too late to explore such similar relationships. We would benefit many folds from India’s appetite for growth. Our easily trainable labour can provide a large pool for Indian companies to draw upon.
India’s economy is booming, but that good fortune isn’t uniform across the nation. While Prime Minister Modi’s home state of Gujarat is the epitome of economic transformation, to replicate that in the Seven Sisters of the north-east India will need access to Bangladesh. It isn’t for nothing that there are regular delegations from Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.
We should actively look at engaging these states. Without hesitation, we need to open consulates in Shillong and Gauhati to compliment our one in Agartala. Access to Chittagong port and Sylhet International Airport will help grow not only their economy but ours as well.
To many, the views I have articulated here may seem simplistic and contrary to what we have now. But that exactly is my point. We too often convolute this kinship we have. By focusing on the past we are letting the future slip away. We need to reboot our relationship.
I believe with the Modi government we are still not too late. Though finding time for us seemed to have proved difficult to the often travelling PM, we should not hesitate to engage with the new team in Delhi. They bring in a fresh new perspective and drive to Indian foreign policy. Before old dogmas set in, we need to start a new dialogue -- that of opportunity, hope, equality, and new friendship.
We need to take off those sunglasses and open our eyes to the possibilities we have in front of us.