- Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
- Both countries actively cooperate on police matters, anti-corruption activities and issues of illicit drug trafficking, fake currency, human trafficking, among others.
- Examples of Defence Cooperation: Military exercises like SAMPRITI and MILAN.
- Peaceful and cooperative border management: Both countries cooperate for the security of the 4,096 kms long international border focusing on border fencing, joint inspection of boundary pillars, etc.
- Land Boundary Agreement (2015) and Delimitation of Maritime boundary are examples of peaceful resolution of boundary disputes.
- Convergence for Sub-Regional Corporations: Both countries have shared vision for the Indo-pacific in terms of maritime security and development of ocean economy.
- Engagement at multiple multilateral platforms: E.g. SAARC, BIMSTEC, BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal), IORA.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT), operationalization of Agreement for the usage of Chittagong and Mongla Ports.
- Internal connectivity: Easier access to India’s North-Eastern states. E.g. Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link
- Regional integration: Bangladesh is situated at the convergence of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR and Indo-Pacific Vision.
Recent developments in India-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations
- Regional cooperation: Bangladesh joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
- Power and Energy cooperation: India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (transports High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh), Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (supplies electricity to Bangladesh grid).
- Partners in Digital Public Infrastructure: MoU on Cooperation in Digital Payment mechanisms was signed between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank for facilitation of cross border UPI payments.
- Medical tourism: India announced the extension of e-Medical visa facilities to Bangladeshis.