Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist October 2019 | Page 43

INDIA & THE WORLD
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India-Bangladesh maritime
connectivity in the Bay of Bengal
POSSIBILITIES AND CHALLENGES
BY ANASUA BASU RAY CHAUDHURY*
C
overing more than 2,173,000 square kilometers the
Bay of Bengal has gained its salience over the past
few years. Bay’s growing strategic and economic
imperatives necessitate that it be offi cially recognised as a
geopolitical region. Growing economic interdependence in
the post-globalization world coupled with the rise of India and
China in the strategic scenario have brought the signifi cance
of maritime connectivity back to the fore. This is especially
true for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which is fringed
by many littoral countries that are becoming economically
stronger and politically more visible. Against this backdrop,
the essay focuses on possibilities and challenges in India-
Bangladesh maritime connectivity.
Matters maritime
In view of the opportunities and challenges that abound this
maritime space, both India and Bangladesh have revitalized
their inter-Bay connectivity. Subsequently, contemplations
are on in the Indian diplomatic circles of how the vision
of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)
which seeks collective growth for all can be made mutually
reinforcing with the Sagarmala Programme that looks
into the country’s port-led development through building
or modernising port facilities by easing port operations
including promoting ‘short sea’ or coastal shipping, amongst
other measures. This is aimed at facilitating India’s vision
of inclusiveness in the IOR and can only be accomplished
through increased connectivity.
Similarly, Bangladesh also deems it necessary to
deepen its ties with India based on reciprocity and mutual
respect. As a ‘maritime state’ Bangladesh has established a
permanent Maritime Aff airs Unit (MAU) under the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs to look after maritime-related issues
exclusively. Consequently, the Unit has played a crucial role
in formulating The Bangladesh Maritime Zones Act, 2018
that aims at ‘exploring and exploiting living and non-living
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 10 • October 2019, Noida • 43