Context:
Bangladesh’s Interim Government Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman.
The discussions focused on SAARC revival, the Ganges Water Treaty, and BIMSTEC cooperation.
Key Points:
SAARC Revival:
Bangladesh urged India to support the revival of SAARC, which has been inactive due to the India-Pakistan conflict.
However, Jaishankar did not mention SAARC in his official statement, focusing instead on bilateral ties and BIMSTEC.
Ganges Water Treaty Renewal:
Signed in 1996, the treaty regulates water-sharing of the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh emphasized the need to initiate discussions for its renewal.
BIMSTEC Leadership Transition:
Thailand currently chairs BIMSTEC but will be replaced by Bangladesh after the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (April 2–4, 2025, in Bangkok).
Discussions highlighted regional cooperation and bilateral challenges.
India-Bangladesh Relations:
Both sides acknowledged bilateral challenges and agreed to work together to strengthen cooperation.
This marks the second high-level meeting since September 2024, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the rise of Muhammad Yunus’s interim government.
Significance:
SAARC vs. BIMSTEC: India prefers BIMSTEC over SAARC, as SAARC remains stalled due to tensions with Pakistan.
Water Diplomacy: The Ganges Treaty renewal is critical for Bangladesh’s water security and bilateral ties.
Regional Stability: Political changes in Bangladesh post-Hasina’s ouster impact India’s foreign policy in South Asia.
APSC Relevance:
International Relations (India-Bangladesh ties, SAARC, BIMSTEC).
Water Resources & Diplomacy (Ganges Water Treaty).
Geopolitics of South Asia (India’s strategic approach in the region).
Current Affairs (Recent political transitions in Bangladesh).
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