Geographically, Bangladesh is located in South Asia surrounded by India from three sides, Bay of Bengal on the east while Myanmar on south- east and separated from Nepal and Bhutan by chicken’s neck corridor of Siliguri. Bangladesh territory is not far off from China either. Bangladesh could link up with roads to China’s Kunming of Yunnan Province through Myanmar. Proposal for construction of road is under consideration of Myanmar government. Historically, Bengal (present Bangladesh) has had excellent relations with Chinese dynasties before the beginning of the Christian era. Bangladesh practically sandwiched between India and China, both rising power in Asia. Therefore, Bangladesh has no other option, but to do a strategic tightrope walk in maintaining foreign relations.

China has become economic and military power globally while India is not lagging behind China in flexing its economic and political power in South Asia. In terms of lands and population China is much bigger than to India. In South Asia Bangladesh is a relatively young country, but its socio-political and cultural development date back to a few hundred years. The struggle and sacrifices of millions of people gave birth to a new nation of Bangladesh on 16 December, 1971 with the help of Indian defense forces splitting Pakistan apart, the most traumatic development in the history of the South Asian sub-continent since partition of the British India in 1947.

Sacrifices by millions of Bengali people inside the country and diplomats of Bangladesh origin working in different foreign mission of Pakistan, who switched over their allegiance to exile government of Bangladesh, succeeded in mobilizing public opinion against military oppression and genocidal activities perpetrated by Pakistan army in erstwhile East Pakistan. The government in exile exerted continuous pressure on Indian leaders to assist Bangladeshis in their struggle for emancipation. The initial reaction from India was the support of a diplomatic and propaganda nature in addition to relief for the refugees. In view of the growing pressure on India’s economy because of influx of refugees from the erstwhile East Pakistan, India decided to intervene to complete the process of liberation when Mukti Bahini demonstrated its ability to survive the onslaught of the Pakistan army, which was in fact strong. Perhaps, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and cooperation, which was signed on 8 August, 1971 gave moral boost to the Indian military strategists to take a decision for intervention. This treaty of friendship was perceived against the possible threat from China with whom Pakistan had maintained excellent relations. Apart from this perceived threat, President Nixon of America’s appeasement policy towards China via Pakistan caused serious suspicion in the Soviet Union and India too. This US-Pakistan-China axis was looked upon by India as a threat against the backdrop of the Indo-China war of 1962. As a matter of fact China adopted a restrained attitude towards the crisis in erstwhile East Pakistan.

It is common knowledge that without the assistance of Indian troops, it would not have been possible to liberate Bangladesh in nine months time, but it would not be fair to minimize the role of freedom fighters in the fight against the occupation forces. The freedom fighters, in cooperation with the general masses inside the territory of Bangladesh, facilitated the process of liberation. One is tempted to quote from Andre Malraux, a French thinker, warrior, statesman and novelist, whom this writer accompanied to Chittagong to inaugurate department of arts in Chittagong University, civic reception and a gala lunch hosted by Industrialist A. K Khan at his Yacht in Kapai Lake. At his press conference on 24 April 1973 before departure from Dacca when asked whether the Indian troops have been necessary in Bangladesh, Andre Malraux replied: “it is as if I were asked: were the American troops necessary in France? We do not know for sure. What is certain is that if there had been no French liberation fighters, there would have been no France; there would have been a colony. If you had not fought, the arrival of the Indian tanks would not have served at all because there would not have been a Bangladesh.” Andre Malraux was given honoree citizenship of Bangladesh for his contribution towards liberation of Bangladesh.

The close ties and cooperation between the two countries persisted during our liberation war and in the post-liberation era. However, some unresolved issues like Teesta water sharing and LBA implementation tend to strain the relations but that needs to be settled through bilateral talks.

As a friendly gesture Bangladesh recently offered India to use Chittagong and Mongla sea ports to allow transportation of goods to landlocked seven sister states of India, apart from using Ashuganj river port of Bangladesh for transport of heavy equipment for establishing an electricity plant in Tripura in India. We hope India will show equal friendliness by resolving outstanding issues.

China has been continuously showing interest in developing close bilateral relations with Bangladesh since she recognized Bangladesh in 1975. China’s role in developing infrastructure like roads, bridges, hydropower plant, fertilizer factory, water conservancy project are praiseworthy. Bangladesh is also dependent on China for its defense requirements. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina had been to China in 2010 and 2014. Visits to China have strengthened relations for the benefit of Bangladesh and its people. Bangladesh had sought assistance from China for the construction of deep sea port in Sonadia Island near Cox’s Bazar. However, as of now no arrangement with China came to our notice for construction of deep sea port.

The present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established good working relations with China which has been reflected in the visit of Chinese President Xi Ping to India on September 9.In fact, Narendra Modi has been courting partnership with Peoples Republic of China since his days as Chief Minister of Gujarat state.Narendra Modi’s foreign policy is stated to be partnership in international politics of 21st century for economic development. The 21st century is revolving around growing inter-dependence of the economies of the developed as well as developing countries. Inextricable linkages tie in the irrespective economics, finances, trade and development into a nexus that no country remains globally isolated and yet proper.

Bangladesh also can be seen in the context of geo-political dynamics of Asia because it provides channel of communication between South Asia and East Asia. Bangladesh being highly densely populated country and stead economic growth over 6 percent offers market both for India and China. Therefore, Bangladesh has no option but to make tight rope walk between India and China.