Discussion on Transformation Emergence of Bangladesh and Evolution of India-Bangladesh Ties

On 08 May, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organized a discussion on the book titled, “Transformation Emergence of Bangladesh and Evolution of India-Bangladesh Ties” by Ambassador Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, published by KW Publishers in 2024. The Panel for the discussion consisted of the author Amb Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh; Amb Riva Ganguly Das, Former Indian High commissioner to Bangladesh; Prof. Sanjay K Bhardwaj; Ex IPS Shantanu Mukherji; Senior Journalist Jayanta Roy Chowdhury; Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF (moderator); Lt. General R. K. Sawhney (Retd.); Brig Vinod Anand (Rtd.); Prof. Sujit Dutta; and distinguished fellows and researchers from the VIF.

Dr. Arvind Gupta delivered the opening remarks followed by a detailed overview about the book by the author Amb Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty who explained the genesis of writing the book and his on-field experiences as the Deputy Chief of Mission and then as the High Commissioner of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Amb Riva Ganguly Das has critiqued the book in depth and gave recommendations for the greater cooperation between both the South Asian neighbours. Prof. Sanjay K Bhardwaj had provided his observations about the book and highlighted several issues encompassing the India-Bangladesh relations including the legacy of history, the problem of insurgency, Islamic fundamentalism, political Islam, border, trade etc. This was followed by an engaging discussion with the focus on the way forward for India-Bangladesh relations.

The book, which is composed of 12 chapters, has explored diverse facets related to the transition in India-Bangladesh relations. Starting from history, the book examines the upward trajectory in India-Bangladesh relations which is driven by various elements such as cultural, socio-economic and strategic considerations. Special attention has been given in the book on the economic rise of Bangladesh in the last decade. The book also brings into light an interesting feature of India-Bangladesh relations in the last few decades that is the continuity in Indian policy towards Bangladesh, despite the change of governments in New Delhi. Finally, the book has also assessed the prospects and challenges (both domestically as well as geo-strategically) faced by both the countries and provided recommendations for the further strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations.