When a developing country faces a situation like shortage of petrol and diesel, food crisis or depletion of foreign exchange, then the biggest question is who will help and what will they ask for in return. Many big countries in the world provide help, but often attach their own conditions to it. Many times, political support, strategic benefits or economic pressure is also given in exchange for help.
In such an environment, India’s way of working with its neighboring country Bangladesh is being considered different. India’s model is based on the fact that before the crisis comes, such a system should be made which will continue to work even in difficult times. India-Bangladesh relations are a big example of this. Many systems related to pipelines, electricity connections, grain corridors and trade are already built between the two countries. Therefore, when a crisis occurs, there is less need for new negotiations or a new deal.
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
The best example of this is the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. India sends about 1.8 lakh metric tons of diesel to Bangladesh every year through this pipeline. This supply is not started in any emergency, but continues continuously even during normal times. This means that even if there is a sudden fuel crisis in Bangladesh, the supply of diesel does not stop. This is what makes India’s model different from China and America.
China takes advantage of debt
China has built big projects in many countries including Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative i.e. BRI. This includes ports, bridges, roads, railways and power projects. These led to development in many countries, but China also gave huge loans for these projects.
The problem arises when a country is unable to repay this loan on time. Then there is a fear that China may put pressure on that country or take strategic advantage. That’s why many experts say that China’s model increases dependence along with development.
America took advantage in exchange for help
America’s approach has been different. During the Cold War, America provided food grains and other aid to many countries through programs like PL-480. This brought relief to many countries, but this help was not completely unconditional. America wanted the countries that received help to be close to its foreign policy and strategic thinking. This means that aid and politics often went together.
How is India’s model different from China-US?
Many institutional systems working continuously have been created between India and Bangladesh. These include agreements related to trade, essential goods, transport, electricity and infrastructure. Organizations like India-Bangladesh Joint Working Group on Trade keep working continuously. Therefore, if any crisis arises, both the countries do not have to start new negotiations every time. Help and supplies continue through the already established system.
Geographical position is also a big advantage for India. India and Bangladesh have a long border. With this, goods can be delivered quickly and at low cost. For example, shipping diesel from Assam to northern Bangladesh is cheaper and faster than shipping fuel from Gulf countries by sea. Even if there is a war in the world, problems in sea routes or market turmoil, the supply from India remains more reliable. This becomes more important in times of foreign exchange crisis. Because it costs more dollars to order goods from long distances. Bangladesh’s expenses reduce due to its proximity to India.
India does not need to change its foreign policy
Another special thing about India’s model is that Bangladesh does not need to change its foreign policy to buy diesel, electricity or wheat from India. This cooperation runs under pre-made agreements. That is, there is no pressure on Bangladesh that if it wants help, it will have to accept every political decision of India. This is the reason why this system continues even after the change of governments in both the countries.
However, this does not mean that India helps completely without any interest. India also has its advantages. If its neighboring countries remain economically strong and stable, it will improve India’s security, increase trade and strengthen its influence in South Asia. India wants Bangladesh to remain stable, because increasing crisis there can affect India also. But the way India pursues its interests is considered different from China or America.
India’s emphasis on joint cooperation
India’s emphasis is on building such relationships where both the countries benefit. That means both the countries should remain connected through shared infrastructure, supply system and economic cooperation. This is called mutual dependence, not one-sided pressure.
Today many developing countries of the world are struggling with problems like Bangladesh. These include problems like expensive fuel, lack of foreign exchange, climate crisis and weak supply chain. In such a situation, projects with big debt can increase their problems. At the same time, foreign aid with high conditions can limit their economic and political freedom.
The experience of India and Bangladesh shows a third way. This path is based on shared infrastructure, geographical proximity and ongoing cooperation. Its purpose is to help in times of crisis, but without any huge debt or political pressure. Experts believe that this model cannot be implemented everywhere, because it requires long relationships, trust and continuous investment. Nevertheless, when many countries in the world want to avoid getting trapped between big powers, this method of India is being considered different and important.
Also read: Chinese laborers will get commando protection in Pakistan, soldiers will be with them all the time
Leave a Reply