New Delhi, September 3 — Highlighting the growing chill in India-Bangladesh relations, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty stated clearly that New Delhi has extended every reasonable diplomatic olive branch, and the responsibility now shifts to Dhaka to respond meaningfully. Speaking to Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, on September 3, Chakravarty noted that bilateral engagements have faced significant turbulence over recent months, stemming from disagreements on border management, river water distribution, port access arrangements, and coordination on cross-border law enforcement.
The former diplomat explained that India had proposed a series of confidence-building measures, including resuming high-level political dialogues, expanding legal trade corridors, and enhancing joint patrolling mechanisms along sensitive stretches. He stressed that unilateral goodwill cannot sustain a partnership and that reciprocal gestures are essential to restore trust.
Chakravarty also pointed out that several technical committees tasked with resolving lingering disputes have remained inactive, delaying progress on projects vital to local communities on both sides of the border. Farmers, traders, and transit operators have felt the impact firsthand, with delays in cargo clearance and restrictions affecting livelihoods.
Political analysts observe that Bangladesh’s current administration faces domestic pressures that may be constraining its foreign policy flexibility. Nevertheless, experts argue that sustained diplomatic silence carries risks, particularly as regional powers and multinational institutions increasingly expect cooperative frameworks in South Asia.
As of now, no official statement has emerged from Bangladeshi authorities addressing India’s proposals. Stakeholders in both capitals are watching closely, hoping that pragmatic diplomacy will soon prevail over positional rigidity. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive in determining whether the bilateral relationship moves toward renewal or further estrangement.
