India and Bangladesh are seamlessly working together to implement the model of people-to-people contact by continuously taking several measures, including establishing border haats, improving transport connectivity, organizing cultural and educational exchanges, hosting joint sports events, collaborating on economic and social development projects, and promoting tourism.

Kamakshi Wason, serving the Global COO and Director of Academic Programmes at the Tillotoma Foundation, a global think tank, expressed this view while talking to this correspondent recently.

Kamakshi Wason is a famous practitioner of Track 2 Diplomacy. Her research interest areas include Diplomacy, Gender, Defense Studies, Climate Change, South Asia, Indo-Pacific and Central Asia. She speaks on diverse issues at various international and national forums.

The rest part of the interview is given below:

Q1. India enjoys a huge trade surplus with Bangladesh. How can Bangladesh reduce the trade gap with India ?

A1: By the year 2023, Bangladesh finds itself in a considerable predicament as it grapples with a substantial trade deficit in its dealings with India. During the preceding fiscal year, the value of goods imported from India reached an astounding $14 billion, while Bangladesh's exports to its neighboring country only amounted to a mere $2 billion. Alarming as this may be, it is worth noting that this trade gap has more than tripled since 2015-16, surging from a deficit of $5 billion to an alarming figure of $14 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22.

To rectify this unevenness and restore equilibrium to their economic partnership, I think Bangladesh must consider implementing strategic alternatives that can address the root causes of this issue. One possible avenue is enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladeshi products in order to attract greater demand from Indian consumers. By improving the quality and attractiveness of locally made goods, Bangladesh can carve out a significant share of India's market for its own benefit.

Furthermore, expanding export horizons by diversifying product offerings and identifying new markets could prove advantageous for Bangladesh's position. By exploring untapped potential abroad and seeking opportunities beyond India's borders, Bangladesh can reduce its dependence on one single trading partner and enhance its overall export performance.

Moreover, it would be prudent for Bangladesh to review and improve existing trade pacts with India. Negotiating fair terms that promote mutual benefit and address any imbalances would not only foster trust between both nations but also pave the way for more fruitful collaborations.

Exploring foreign investments should also be considered as another viable option. By attracting international capital into key sectors of their economy, Bangladesh can stimulate growth and innovation while simultaneously reducing its reliance on imports.

Investing in research and development (R&D) is yet another avenue through which Bangladesh can bolster its economic standing vis-à-vis India. By nurturing innovation and fostering technological advancements within domestic industries, Bangladeshi enterprises can gain a competitive edge and produce higher value-added products that can rival those from other nations.

Additionally, leveraging market intelligence to identify emerging trends and consumer preferences can guide Bangladesh towards more targeted export strategies. By staying ahead of the curve and aligning their production capacities with market demands, Bangladeshi exporters can better position themselves to capture greater shares of the Indian market.

Promoting tourism and services as an alternative source of revenue is another viable option for Bangladesh. By highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and unique experiences, Bangladesh can attract Indian tourists seeking new destinations, thereby stimulating economic growth in various sectors such as hospitality, travel agencies, and local arts and crafts.

Lastly, prioritizing education and training programs would empower Bangladeshi individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to their economy. By investing in vocational training initiatives that align with industry requirements, Bangladesh can generate a pool of skilled workers who are capable of driving their country towards economic prosperity.

By implementing these multifaceted approaches aimed at rectifying their trade imbalance with India, Bangladesh stands poised to forge a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership. Through concerted efforts in enhancing product competitiveness, expanding export horizons, improving trade agreements, attracting foreign investments, investing in R&D activities, utilizing market intelligence effectively, promoting tourism and services as well as prioritizing education and training programs for its workforce – I believe Bangladesh will be able to establish a stronger foothold on the path towards sustainable economic growth.

Q2. The general election of Bangladesh is expected to be held next year. Being an Indian citizen, what are your expectations for the next election?

A2: The upcoming general elections in Bangladesh encompass numerous factors to consider, such as the constitutional requirement for elections, the anticipated victory of the ruling party, the position of the main opposition party, economic considerations, and the possibility of compromise. In my opinion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is expected to secure a win due to its strong coalition and international alliances. Conversely, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) intends to abstain from participating in the election citing distrust resulting from alleged rigging in previous elections.

 Additional factors that may influence proceedings include potential street mobilizations and protests, economic setbacks affecting the ruling party's legitimacy, and a potentially manipulated election with irregularities. This is especially relevant considering India's common interest in regional stability and its connections with Awami League. However, it is important to note that the relationship between India and Bangladesh is primarily characterized by a strong bipartisan nature.

The forthcoming elections in Bangladesh encompass a complex situation with various aspects, including constitutional, political, economic, and international dimensions. However, I believe the outcomes of these elections will not only influence the domestic political environment of Bangladesh but will also impact its relationships with neighboring nations, primarily India.

Q3. Being a neighboring country, How can India help strengthen democracy in Bangladesh?

A3: I believe India has consistently provided unwavering support to Bangladesh. India remains committed to collaborating with Bangladesh in order to strengthen and promote democratic values within the nation. This commitment is manifested through diplomatic engagements, endorsing necessary reforms in the electoral system, fostering close partnerships with non-governmental organizations, encouraging educational and cultural exchanges, leveraging economic cooperation, championing an independent and unhindered media, facilitating knowledge-sharing on governance and public administration, and taking advantage of regional platforms for collaboration.

Furthermore, I think India has the opportunity to invest efforts into enhancing its capacity building initiatives, backing civil society and media organizations, advocating for good governance and transparency, fostering connections between individuals, encouraging economic cooperation and providing development assistance. Moreover, India can extend support for decentralization and local governance, engage in policy discussions, facilitate more programs that involve youth participation, establish legal and judicial exchanges, as well as promote democratic practices within regional forums. Implementing these strategies would undoubtedly contribute to the reinforcement of democratic systems and institutions in Bangladesh.

Q4. Members of the European Union  can move within the territory without visa. Do you think South Asian countries should work on visa–free movement?

A4: The idea of allowing South Asian countries to travel visa-free similar to the EU presents a range of possibilities and obstacles. On one side, such an agreement could foster regional integration, propel trade and tourism growth, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen diplomatic relations. However, on the flip side, it may encounter challenges stemming from diverse political climates, economic disparities, security concerns, and historical tensions.

To successfully implement visa-free movement in South Asia, it would require extensive diplomatic efforts along with a foundation of mutual trust and cooperation among member nations. However, I feel that adopting a sub-regional approach akin to the BIMSTEC framework might prove more practical and efficacious. The sub-regional strategy is deemed more manageable due to shared economic objectives, cultural affinities amongst nations involved, easier resolution of security concerns compared to broader regional dynamics fraught with historical tensions. This incremental integration approach would allow for focused diplomatic endeavors that build upon each step.

By commencing with a sub-regional group like BIMSTEC as a model for other countries in South Asia to follow, could pave the way towards achieving visa-free movement in a pragmatic manner, as I see this as a step by step process.

Q5. Both leaders of Bangladesh and India stress people—to people contact . How can both countries work to implement this model?

A5: India and Bangladesh are seamlessly working together to implement the model of people-to-people contact by continuously taking several measures, including establishing border haats, improving transport connectivity, organizing cultural and educational exchanges, hosting joint sports events, collaborating on economic and social development projects, and promoting tourism.

I would like to mention how the cultural ties between India and Bangladesh play a key role here. By highlighting their deep-rooted connections in literature, cuisine, textiles, and language. Also, not to forget the literary and musical influence of renowned figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, as well as recent Indo-Bangladesh creative collaboration regarding the recent biopic on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The shared love for culinary delights, like Hilsa fish and the rice dishes. The linguistic commonality also contributes to the cultural bonds, with Bengali spoken in Eastern India. The exquisite sarees and textiles showcasing shared aesthetic sensibility. There’s so much more to explore within this deep rooted connection between India and Bangladesh.

My personal interactions with women and youth of Bangladesh has greatly enhanced my perspective. It is important to emphasize the valuable and diverse encounters I have had, which are influenced by our mutual cultural, historical and linguistic connections. During these personal interactions, I witnessed the significance of valuing one another's cultural similarities, language and means of communication, reciprocal respect and inquisitiveness, dialogues on shared past experiences, connections created through youthfulness, viewpoints on gender, tactful handling of delicate subjects, bonding over food and entertainment, acknowledging divergences, as well as demonstrating hospitality and amicability. In contemplating the future, I believe there will be substantial possibilities for these bonds to cultivate a more robust and durable foundation.

Q6. Over the years, Bangladesh has been working on women empowerment. How Bangladesh and India share the experience of empowering women ?

A6: I would like to discuss the significant advancements made in promoting the empowerment of women in both nations over a period of time. This includes the presence of women holding high-ranking positions in government and private sectors, as well as notable figures such as Sheikh Hasina and Smriti Irani, who have gained international recognition for their contributions. In India, 65% of women are educated, with 15% occupying esteemed societal positions. Similarly, in Bangladesh, 80% of women receive education and many hold influential positions. It is worth noting that Bangladesh currently has top two female leaders - the incumbent Prime Minister and the leader of the main opposition party who has also earlier served as a former Prime Minister.

Moving forward, there are various pathways we can explore to further advance this progress. These include exchanging policies, implementing joint programs and workshops, fostering cultural and educational exchanges, collaborating on research and development efforts, supporting women's involvement in politics and leadership roles, as well as establishing networking platforms for advocacy purposes. By working together on these initiatives, both countries can contribute to their societal and economic development.

The progress of women's empowerment in India and Bangladesh serves as a powerful example of the potential that can be realized through perseverance and cooperative endeavors. I hold a positive outlook that, through sustained attention and shared ventures, we will observe even more substantial transformations in the future.

Q7. Bangladesh is dependent on some consumer goods from India. India sometimes stops export of some consumer goods like rice, wheat, onion, sugar, garlic, etc. How can Bangladesh work with India in protecting the interest of consumer goods?  

A7:  Firstly, I think you can be assured that India will continue to help Bangladesh with food supplies, as it has always done and supported its neighbors through thick and thin. India's “Neighbourhood First'' policy emphasizes priority and enhanced engagement with neighboring countries, including Bangladesh. This policy manifests in enhanced bilateral cooperation, improved connectivity and infrastructure, economic partnerships, cultural and people-to-people ties, collaboration in regional stability and security, support in international forums, humanitarian and development assistance, and addressing shared challenges.

As you said, there are some hurdles sometimes which stops export of some consumer goods from India and it is mainly influenced by its domestic requirements. However, policymakers of India recognize the consequences for Bangladesh and strive to handle these circumstances through a combination of dialogue and diplomacy, reassessment of policies, and assistance for regional collaboration and self-sufficiency.

Bangladesh may try to address its dependence on India for essential consumer goods, such as rice, wheat, onion, sugar, and garlic, by adopting various strategies, including negotiating specific agreements with India, diversifying import sources, collaborating on agricultural initiatives, establishing buffer stock agreements, entering into long-term supply contracts, investing in domestic production, engaging in regional cooperation, establishing early warning mechanisms, leveraging economic diplomacy, and encouraging private sector engagement. I feel that these overall strategies will guarantee a heightened level of stability and dependability in the provision of indispensable commodities for Bangladesh and will facilitate the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Q8. Bangladesh holds a strategic position in South Asia and Southeast  Asia.  How does India see the position of Bangladesh in the region?

A8: India aims to back Bangladesh's advancement, expansion, and improvement. It acknowledges the significant role of Bangladesh in the South Asia and Southeast Asia regions, owing to its strategic geographic position, economic possibilities, security alliance, cultural and historical bonds, regional connectivity, collaboration within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), cooperative efforts on environmental and climate concerns, as well as regional diplomatic endeavors. The association between India and Bangladesh is deemed pivotal to maintaining stability, security, economic progress, and cultural interchange in the region. This relationship serves as a cornerstone for fostering broader collaboration and development on a regional scale.

India has continuously expressed its backing for Bangladesh in numerous areas ever since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. Initially, India played a pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during its Liberation War by offering sanctuary to millions of Bangladeshi refugees, providing military assistance, and advocating diplomatically for Bangladesh's autonomy. Additionally, India has actively supported Bangladesh in securing a significant position within the World Health Organization (WHO) through diplomatic endorsement, collaborative health initiatives, knowledge and resource sharing, support in global health forums, bilateral agreements on healthcare collaboration, and capacity enhancement efforts. Moreover, India has extended aid to Bangladesh in the realm of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic by supplying vaccines, medical equipment, and expertise. Furthermore, defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been bolstered through joint military exercises, defense training programs, and equipment provision. In addition to this bilateral support in specific domains, India has championed the interests of Bangladesh on international platforms including the United Nations. Notably, India's invitation to Bangladesh for participation in the recent G20 Summit – despite not being a member of the G20 itself – serves as an exemplary action highlighting the geopolitical significance of Bangladesh both regionally and globally.

These endeavors align with India's “Neighbourhood First” policy which aims to enhance representation of developing nations in global economic discussions while strengthening the robust bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh – a dynamic that can contribute positively towards regional stability and cooperation. The relevance and advantages of Bangladesh's involvement in the summit can be attributed to its expanding economic influence and potential as a prominent player within the region.