Bangladesh reviews 101 pacts with India, New Delhi issues stern warning

Relations between India and Bangladesh have reached a significant turning point. The new government that came to power after the change of administration in Bangladesh has begun a full review of all 101 bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed with India during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure. The decision has caused a stir in diplomatic circles in New Delhi.

India's Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the matter. The ministry has told the Dhaka administration in clear and firm terms that if India's national interest or security is harmed in any way, India will not hesitate to take the necessary steps.

The new government led by Tarique Rahman has begun reviewing economic, military and infrastructure-related agreements signed with India over the past several decades. According to official sources in the Bangladesh government, the aim of the review is to identify legal gaps, inconsistencies and terms that are disadvantageous to Bangladesh. The Dhaka administration has sought to make clear that it does not intend to scrap all the agreements, but only to make necessary improvements to existing arrangements so they better serve the country's interests. However, experts on international politics believe this could also be an attempt to restrain the close ties with India and regional cooperation built during the Hasina era, or to impose fresh terms, which could shake the trust built between the two countries over the years.

The review is most focused on agreements considered a lifeline for India's northeastern states, the Seven Sisters. Of particular importance is the agreement allowing India to use Bangladesh's Chittagong and Mongla ports to transport goods to its northeastern states, which saves India both time and money. Several leaders, including Bangladesh's Chief Whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury Liton, have openly questioned the terms and fees for the use of these ports. India's ongoing projects funded under a multi-billion-dollar line of credit extended for Bangladesh's development are also being reassessed. Any adverse changes to these agreements could directly affect India's regional trade and the security of its northeastern states.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has made clear that the Bangladesh government has not yet officially informed India about this review process. India has only learnt of these developments through Bangladeshi and international media reports. The ministry also said: "Nothing has been conveyed to us officially, India will take all necessary actions to protect its interest."

According to Indian diplomats, India and Bangladesh do not merely have paper agreements but a large network spanning roads, railways, waterways, trade, power supply and border management. India has always worked as a partner in Bangladesh's development. But if the review is used as a pretext to harm India's strategic, economic or border security interests, India will not stay silent. India will keep all necessary legal and diplomatic options open to protect its sovereignty and national interest.

The relationship between India and Bangladesh is not merely one between two governments but is tied to the geographical and historical existence of both nations. India's support for Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War remains historic. But the changing policy of the current Bangladesh government has cast uncertainty over trade, energy supply and border security. The future of peace and stability in South Asia will depend on which agreements the Dhaka administration proposes to amend in the coming days and how India responds. If Bangladesh takes hasty, unilateral decisions, trade relations between the two countries could suffer the biggest loss.