India’s Policy Towards Bangladesh in the Context of the China–India Rivalry

Pawlak, Cezary; Riaz, Naimul Hamid

dc.contributor.author	Pawlak, Cezary
dc.contributor.author	Riaz, Naimul Hamid
dc.date.accessioned	2026-09-15T07:05:46Z
dc.date.available	2026-09-15T07:05:46Z
dc.date.issued	2026-08-12
dc.identifier.issn	1427-9657
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/11089/59344
dc.description.abstract	Niniejszy artykuł analizuje politykę Indii wobec Bangladeszu przez pryzmat rywalizacji między Chinami a Indiami i dowodzi, że interwencjonistyczna, hegemoniczna oraz ukształtowana ideologicznie polityka zagraniczna Indii przyczyniła się do wzrostu nastrojów antyindyjskich w Bangladeszu. Wykorzystując model pętli przyczynowo-skutkowej, artykuł wiąże poparcie Indii dla autokratycznego reżimu, domniemane zaangażowanie służb wywiadowczych, asymetrię handlową, spory dotyczące zasobów wodnych oraz nierówne warunki tranzytu z narastającym niezadowoleniem społecznym i reakcją polityczną w Bangladeszu.Autor argumentuje, że polityczny przełom w Bangladeszu w sierpniu 2024 r. przyspieszył strategiczną dywersyfikację relacji Dhaki w kierunku Chin, a w mniejszym stopniu także Pakistanu, co z kolei zwiększyło obawy Indii dotyczące bezpieczeństwa, zwłaszcza w odniesieniu do północno-wschodnich regionów kraju oraz Korytarza Siliguri. Artykuł pokazuje również, w jaki sposób Chiny wykorzystały strategiczne położenie Bangladeszu, finansowanie infrastruktury oraz współpracę związaną z portami do rozszerzenia swoich wpływów regionalnych, intensyfikując tym samym szerszą rywalizację mocarstw.Główny wniosek jest taki, że napięcia między Bangladeszem a Indiami nie są odosobnionymi sporami, lecz elementem samonapędzającego się cyklu nieufności i eskalacji. Artykuł zaleca przyjęcie przez Indie bardziej wyważonego i nieinterwencjonistycznego podejścia, opartego na poszanowaniu suwerenności, sprawiedliwej współpracy gospodarczej, uczciwym podziale zasobów wodnych oraz wzajemnie korzystnych rozwiązaniach tranzytowych, aby ograniczyć ryzyko dalszej destabilizacji regionu.	pl
dc.language.iso	en
dc.publisher	Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego	pl
dc.relation.ispartofseries	Eastern Review;2	pl
dc.rights.uri	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
dc.subject	Northeast India	en
dc.subject	Siliguri Corridor	en
dc.subject	Malacca Dilemma	en
dc.subject	Causal Loop Diagram (CLD)	en
dc.subject	północno-wschodnie Indie	pl
dc.subject	Korytarz Siliguri	pl
dc.subject	dylemat Malakki	pl
dc.subject	pętla przyczynowo-skutkowa	pl
dc.title	India’s Policy Towards Bangladesh in the Context of the China–India Rivalry	en
dc.title.alternative	Polityka Indii wobec Bangladeszu w kontekście rywalizacji chińsko-indyjskiej	pl
dc.type	Article
dc.page.number	181-205
dc.contributor.authorAffiliation	Pawlak, Cezary - University of Chittagong	en
dc.contributor.authorAffiliation	Riaz, Naimul Hamid - University of Chittagong	en
dc.identifier.eissn	2451-2567
dc.references	Abedin, M.Z. 1995. Raw and Bangladesh. Dhaka: Madina Printers.	en
dc.references	Aryal, S.K., Bharti, S.S. 2022. Impact of Hindu Nationalism in India’s Foreign Policy Conduct. South Asian Democratic Forum 6.	en
dc.references	Ashrat, S. 2023, 01 15. Bangladesh for India’s Act Fast for Northeast Policy. Eurasiareview, https://www.eurasiareview.com/15012023-bangladesh-for-indias-act-fast-for-northeast-policy-oped/	en
dc.references	Bangladesh Bank. 2022. Annual Report. Bangladesh Bank, https://epb.gov.bd/	en
dc.references	BBC. 2018, 31 12. Bangladesh Election: Opposition Demands New Vote. BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46716605	en
dc.references	Bhaumik, S. 2007. Insurgencies in India’s Northeast: Conflict, Co-option & Change. East-West Centre Washington Working Paper 4.	en
dc.references	The Business Standard. 2024, 10 01. Hasina Stayed in Power with Aid from India’s RAW: Rizvi. The Business Standard, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/hasina-stayed-power-aid-indias-raw-rizvi-955371	en
dc.references	The Business Standard. 2025, 12 01. Did India Benefit from BDR Mutiny? What the Probe Commission Says. The Business Standard, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/did-india-benefit-bdr-mutiny-what-probe-commission-says-1299101	en
dc.references	Chatterji, A.P., Hansen, T., Jaffrelot, C. 2019. Introduction. In: A.P. Chatterji, T. Hansen, C. Jaffrelot (eds), Majoritarian State: How Hindu Nationalism is Changing India. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190078171.003.0001	en
dc.references	Chaudhury, D.R. 2023, 04 30. Bangladesh Gives India Permanent Access to Chattogram, Mongla Ports. The Economic Times.	en
dc.references	Cheema, P.I. 2016. State of HR Violations by Indian Security Forces in IHK: Background and Current Situation. NDU Journal 6.	en
dc.references	Choudhary, M. 2023. The New US-China Flashpoint Threatens to Involve All Basin Counties; But Who Dominates World’s Largest Bay. Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, pp. 99–105.	en
dc.references	Chow, M., Silva, S.D. 2024, 04 24. Sino-India Rivalry for Port Dominance in Bangladesh. 9Dashline, https://www.9dashline.com/article/sino-india-rivalry-for-port-dominance-in-bangladesh	en
dc.references	Chowdhury, F.A. 2013. Geo-politics, Democratization and External Influence: The Bangladesh Case. BRAC Institute of Governance and Development 138.	en
dc.references	Chowdhury, M.I., Shibli, M.A., Khan, M., Idris, N., Hussain, S. 2026. Unfolding the Truth: A Structural Diagnosis of Enforced Disappearence in Bangladesh. Dhaka: The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearences.	en
dc.references	The Daily Inqilab. 2024, 11 08. Naufel Behind the Attempted Riots in Chittagong. The Daily Inqilab, https://dailyinqilab.com/national/article/701614	en
dc.references	The Daily Ittefaq. 2025, 08 09. A Riot in Bangladesh is Necessary for Awami League and India: Gayeshwar. The Daily Ittefaq, https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/746052/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%93%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%97-%E0%A6%93-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2	en
dc.references	The Daily Star. 2018, 12 06. Bangladesh’s Election ‘Internal Affair’: India. The Daily Star, https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh-national-election-2018/news/bangladeshs-election-internal-affair-india-1670017	en
dc.references	The Daily Star. 2026, 02 10. Rab, DGFI Need to Be Disbanded. The Daily Star, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/rab-dgfi-need-be-disbanded-4102561	en
dc.references	Das, B. 2024, 10 17. The Strategic Lifeline: Securing the Siliguri Corridor amid Escalating Chinese Expansion. Boder Lines, https://www.borderlens.com/2024/10/17/the-strategic-lifeline-securing-the-siliguri-corridor-amid-escalating-chinese-expansion/	en
dc.references	Dent, T. 2023, 11 21. The Strait of Malacca’s Global Supply Chain Implications. Institute for Supply Management, https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/inside-supply-management-magazine/blog/2023/2023-11/the-strait-of-malaccas-global-supply-chain-implications/	en
dc.references	Dhaka Tribune. 2024, 12 19. Dr Yunus Urges Pakistan to Resolve 1971 Issues for Improved Ties. Dhaka Tribune, https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/368577/dr-yunus-urges-pakistan-to-resolve-1971-issues-for	en
dc.references	Doungel, L. 2021. Colonial Administration in Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas of Undivided Assam with Special Reference to Lushai Hills. In: M.C. Behra (ed.), Tribe-British Relations in India. Singapore: Springer, pp. 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3424-6_19	en
dc.references	Dutta, S., Saikia, G., Gogoi, A., Pegu, P. 2024. Conflict and Consolidate: The British Colonial. Education Administration: Theory and Practice 30(6), pp. 672–676.	en
dc.references	Financial Express. 2024, 06 11. Economy in a Shambles and Budget Risks Debt-trap. Financial Express, https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/first-page/economy-in-a-shambles-and-budget-risks-debt-trap-1718043548	en
dc.references	Firstpost, 2024, 12 17. PM Modi’s Vijay Diwas Post, with no Mention of Bangladesh, Rattles Yunus Govt. Firstpost, https://www.firstpost.com/world/pm-modis-vijay-diwas-post-with-no-mention-of-bangladesh-rattles-yunus-govt-13845069.html	en
dc.references	Ganguly, M. 2014, 01 24. India Should Step in to Find a Way Out in Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch, https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/01/24/india-should-step-find-way-out-bangladesh	en
dc.references	Grare, F. 2024, 08 13. Hasina’s Downfall May Create New Opportunities in Bangladesh for China. Australian Strategic Policy Institut, https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/hasinas-downfall-may-create-new-opportunities-in-bangladesh-for-china/	en
dc.references	Haider, Z. 2009. A Revisit to the Indian Role in the Bangladesh Liberation War. Journal of Asian and African Studies 543. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909609340062	en
dc.references	He, H., Nie, J., Wang, Y. 2018, 06 26. China’s Assistance for Chittagong Port Development, Not a Military Conspiracy. The Daily Star, https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/perspective/chinas-assistance-chittagong-port-development-not-military-conspiracy-1595092	en
dc.references	The Hindu. 2024, 06 24. Northeastern States Step Up Vigil along Bangladesh Border. The Hindu, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/northeast-states-step-up-vigil-along-bangladesh-border/article68492568.ece	en
dc.references	Hindustan Times. 2024, 06 10. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, and Priyanka Meet Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-rahul-and-priyanka-meet-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-in-new-delhi-101718011519459.html	en
dc.references	Inland Waterways Authority of India. 2024, 04 16. Cargo Potential of Waterways in North East. Inland Waterways Authority of India, https://iwai.nic.in/departments/north-east-region-cell/cargo-potential-of-waterways-in-north-east	en
dc.references	Islam, A.T., Talukdar, S., Akhter, S., Eibek, K.U., Rahman, M., Pal, S., …, Mosavi, A. (2022). Assessing the Impact of the Farakka Barrage on Hydrological Alteration in the Padma River with Future Insight. Sustainability 14(9), 5233, pp. 2–26. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095233	en
dc.references	Kanungo, P. 2019a. Sangh and Sarkar: The RSS Power Centre Shifts from Nagur to New Delhi. In: A. Chatterji, T. Hansen, C. Jaffrelot (eds), Majoritarian State: How Hindu Nationalism is Changing India. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190078171.003.0008	en
dc.references	Kanungo, P. 2019b. The RSS Power Centre Shifts from Nagpur to New Delhi. In: A.P. Chatterji, T.B. Hansen, C. Jaffrelot (eds), Majoritarian State: How Hindu Nationalism is Changing India. Oxford: Oxford University Press.	en
dc.references	Kapur, R., Mohsina, N. 2020, 03 03. The Shift to Majoritarian Politics and Sectarianism in India: Domestic and International Responses. Middle East Institute, https://www.mei.edu/publications/shift-majoritarian-politics-and-sectarianism-india-domestic-and-international	en
dc.references	Khurana, G.S. 2008. String of Pearls’ in the Indian Ocean and Its Security Implications. Strategic Analysis 18. https://doi.org/10.1080/09700160801886314	en
dc.references	Krishnan, M. 2024, 11 01. Why India Welcomes Bangladesh Election Result. Deutsche Welle, https://www.dw.com/en/why-india-welcomes-bangladesh-election-result/a-67950471	en
dc.references	Laskar, R.H. 2024, 12 18. China Building Villages Near Doklam in Bhutan: Satellite Data. Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-building-villages-near-doklam-in-bhutan-satellite-data-101734489589437.html	en
dc.references	Light Castle Analytics Wing. 2020, 11 21. India Bangladesh Transit Treaty (Part I): The Costs and the Opportunities. Light Castle Partners, https://lightcastlepartners.com/insights/2020/11/india-bangladesh-transit-treaty-part-i-the-costs-and-the-opportunities/	en
dc.references	Mahmud, A.A. 2009, 03 04. 4-party Bigwigs Were in Plot, Accused Say. The Daily Star, https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-78433	en
dc.references	Mahmud, F., Sarker, S. 2024, 08 08. ‘Islamophobic, Alarmist’: How Some India Outlets Covered Bangladesh Crisis. Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/8/islamophobic-alarmist-how-some-india-outlets-covered-bangladesh-crisis	en
dc.references	Marine Insight. 2024, 11 20. Bangladesh Welcomes First-ever Direct Cargo Shipment from Pakistan. Marine Insight, https://www.marineinsight.com/bangladesh-welcomes-first-ever-direct-cargo-shipment-from-pakistan/	en
dc.references	Mehta, P.B. 2011. Do New Democracies Support Democracy? Reluctant India. Journal of Democracy 104. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2011.0074	en
dc.references	Minorities at Risk. N/A. Minority Group Assessments for Asia. Minorities at Risk, http://www.mar.umd.edu/assessments.asp?regionId=3	en
dc.references	Mushahary, J., Daimary, B., Baglari, J., Basumatary, K., Medhi, M., Narzary, P.K., Basumatari, S. 2025. The Exit of Sheikh Hasina and the Future of Geo-Political Dynamics of Indo-Bangladesh Relations. Open Access Library Journal, pp. 1–19. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1114345	en
dc.references	Noyon, A.U. 2023, 10 01. How China’s Belt and Road Changing Bangladesh’s Economy and Infrastructures. The Business Standard, https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/how-chinas-belt-and-road-changing-bangladeshs-infrastructures-709826	en
dc.references	Parven, A., Hasan, M. 2018. Transboundary Water Conflict between Bangladesh and India: Water Governance Practice for Conflict Resolution. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology 80. https://doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v8i1.38233	en
dc.references	Paszak, P. 2021, 02 28. China and the “Malacca Dilemma”. Warsaw Institute, https://warsawinstitute.org/china-malacca-dilemma/	en
dc.references	Patnaik, J.K. 2008. Mizoram: Dimensions and Perspectives: The Society Economy and Polity. New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company.	en
dc.references	Pawlak, C. 2024. Cause-effect-loop. Lodz: University of Lodz.	en
dc.references	Rahman, M.M. 2024. China’s Investment in Bangladesh: Backdrop of Debt Trap. International Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences 2(10), pp. 841–854. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijarss.v2i10.2637	en
dc.references	Rahman, S. 2025, 07 17. Karnaphuli Tunnel Expects Financial Losses Approx BDT 1.7 Billion. Boinik Barta, https://en.bonikbarta.com/business/qNJHxjJwPY0utb2h	en
dc.references	Rahman, S.A. 2024, 09 07. Fearing Reprisals, Hasina’s Supporters Flee Bangladesh. Voice of America, https://www.voanews.com/a/fearing-reprisals-hasina-s-supporters-flee-bangladesh-/7775116.html	en
dc.references	Rahman, S.A. 2024, 11 28. Tensions Peak as Bangladesh Blames India for ‘Spreading Misinformation’. Voice of America, https://www.voanews.com/a/tensions-peak-as-bangladesh-blames-india-for-spreading-misinformation-/7895753.html	en
dc.references	Rahmati, F., Ali, M.A., Kamraju, M. 2020. A Study on Strategic Location of Siliguri Corridor and Its Issues. International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods 8(7), pp. 5–9.	en
dc.references	Riaz, A. 2014. Shifting Tides in South Asia: Bangladesh’s Failed Election. Journal of Democracy 119. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2014.0034	en
dc.references	Rushd, A. 2024. Raw in Bangladesh. Dhaka: The Mavericks Studio.	en
dc.references	Sharma, R. 2024, 06 30. India’s Plan to Develop “China Chokepoint” at Strategic Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in the Eye of Storm. The Eurasian Times, https://www.eurasiantimes.com/indias-plan-to-develop-china-chokepoint-at-strategic-andaman-nicobar-islands-in-the-eye-of-storm/	en
dc.references	Shih, G., Nakashima, E., Hudson, J. 2024, 08 15. India Pressed U.S. to Go Easy on Bangladeshi Leader before Her Ouster, Officials Say. The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/15/india-bangladesh-sheikh-hasina/	en
dc.references	Singh, G. 2024, 08 12. Chinese Media Is Pushing Beijing as a Neutral Party in Bangladesh. Deccan Herald, https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/chinese-media-is-pushing-beijing-as-a-neutral-party-in-bangladesh-3146845	en
dc.references	Singh, R.P. 2021, 05 23. How the Mukti Bahini Was Trained. The Daily Star, https://www.thedailystar.net/in-focus/news/how-the-mukti-bahini-was-trained-2097481	en
dc.references	TRT World. 2025, 11 30. Bangladesh Blames India, ex-PM Hasina for 2009 Massacre of Army Officers. TRT World, https://www.trtworld.com/article/d79dbc98ee48	en
dc.references	Uprati, K., Salman, S. 2011. Legal Aspects of Sharing and Management of Transboundary Waters in South Asia: Preventing Conflicts and Promoting Cooperation. Hydrological Science Journal 56(4), pp. 641–661. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2011.576252	en
dc.references	Wolf, S.O. 2014. China’s Strategic Interests and Its Impacts on Bangladesh. Heidelberg: Institute of South Asian Studies.	en
dc.references	World Economics. 2026. Bangladesh Debt-to-GDP Ratio. World Economics, https://www.worldeconomics.com/GrossDomesticProduct/Debt-to-GDP-Ratio/Bangladesh.aspx	en
dc.contributor.authorEmail	Pawlak, Cezary - cezarypawlak@o2.pl
dc.contributor.authorEmail	Riaz, Naimul Hamid - naimulhamidriaz@gmail.com
dc.identifier.doi	10.18778/1427-9657.14.2.08
dc.relation.volume	14

Files in this item

Name:: 181-205_Pawlak.pdf
Size:: 736.3Kb
Format:: PDF

View/Open

Name:: Pawlak.html
Size:: 75.62Kb
Format:: HTML

View/Open

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Eastern Review Tom 14 Nr 2/2025 [8]

Show simple item record

Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0