In a bid to strengthen ties with India, Bangladesh’s interim government head, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has initiated ‘mango diplomacy’ by sending a consignment of 1,000 kg of the famous ‘Haribhanga’ mango variety to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This gesture aims to revive the warm relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Background
The relationship between Bangladesh and India had grown strained after the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in July-August 2024. The new interim government, led by Professor Yunus, has expressed a desire to maintain good relations with India based on mutual respect.
Mango Diplomacy’ as a Symbol of Friendship
The practice of sending mangoes has existed since previous regimes, but the current gesture is seen as a deliberate attempt by Dhaka to sweeten ties with New Delhi. The consignment of mangoes was sent as a goodwill gesture, and similar gestures have been made in the past, such as India’s ‘mango diplomacy’ with China in the 1950s. Pakistan has also used ‘mango diplomacy’ to strengthen ties with China in the 1960s.
Key Developments in Bangladesh-India Relations
– *Trade and Economic Cooperation*: India is the fifth-largest economy, while Bangladesh is the second-largest garments exporter after China. The two countries have a strong foundation for trade and economic cooperation.
– *Water Sharing Plan*: Bangladesh is working with China on a 50-year water management plan, including the Teesta River system, which is of strategic concern for India.
– *Healthcare Cooperation*: China has committed to building a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh and providing medical visas for Bangladeshi nationals, potentially reducing the country’s reliance on Indian healthcare services.
– *SAARC Revival Efforts*: The interim government wants to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), but India has not shown significant support for the initiative.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and India. The exchange of fishermen between the two countries and the trilateral energy agreement allowing Bangladesh to access hydroelectric power from Nepal are positive developments. However, issues like border killings and trade disputes need to be addressed to strengthen ties.
Professor Yunus’s ‘mango diplomacy’ initiative is a symbolic gesture aimed at reviving the warm relationship between Bangladesh and India. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential for cooperation in trade, healthcare, and regional stability offers a promising future for the two nations. By focusing on mutual respect and pragmatic engagement, Bangladesh and India can work together to address common challenges and strengthen their ties.
