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The project on India’s Connectivity with Bangladesh and Myanmar on the east and China in the north has been one of the major research projects that the Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata, has undertaken since the beginning of its second year. For pragmatic reasons we decided to look into Bangladesh first, which would be followed by an examination of connectivity with the other two of India’s close neighbours. In slightly less than a year’s time we have finished our research based on examination of documents, consultation with experts in both countries informally and through an India-Bangladesh workshop we organised at ORF, Kolkata, and field work in both Kolkata and Bangladesh. This report is Part One of the complete report on India’s connectivity with the three above-mentioned countries, which we expect to complete within the next year.
In this report, we present a picture of the existing state of connectivity between India and Bangladesh, give an assessment of what has been promised and what has been so far delivered and finally, provide policy directions for a dense and more productive network of connectivity between these two historically and culturally close neighbours. India, being the larger and more resourceful of the two countries, has greater manoeuverability as well as responsibility to initiate and pursue connectivity measures. Of course, the desire for enhanced connectivity must be present in both parties; there must also be a consensus between the two as to what needs to be done, and finally, whatever policies are adopted, they must have the promise of mutual benefit. This will, in addition, create a positive environment for such linkages throughout the subcontinent.
The research undertaken for this part of the project has been inspired, helped and intellectually supported by Dr. C. Raja Mohan and Dr. Manoj Joshi, both Distinguished Fellows at ORF, New Delhi. Many other colleagues there whose help and advice we needed have been very responsive, helpful and forthright. Mr. Sunjoy Joshi, Director, ORF, has been an abiding inspiration. We value and appreciate their consistent help, co-operation and support.
Finally, Mr.Ashok Dhar, Director, ORF, Kolkata has been the linchpin for this project. Without his inspiration, unstinted support and encouragement, this report would not have been possible. We alone, however, are responsible for the errors and imperfections that remain in the report.
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Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury is Senior Fellow with ORF’s Neighbourhood Initiative. She is the Editor, ORF Bangla. She specialises in regional and sub-regional cooperation in ...
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Pratnashree Basu is an Associate Fellow, Indo-Pacific at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata, with the Strategic Studies Programme and the Centre for New Economic Diplomacy. She ...
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