Dhaka recently hosted the Indian Ocean Conference 2023, a multi-country event featuring speakers and participants from the Indian Ocean countries. In recent years, Bangladesh has gone from a ‘basket-case’ to a case study in progress, and across Dhaka are signs of a city undergoing dramatic change.

Historically, foreign policy has rarely played a decisive role in the Indian elections although issues like the nuclear deal with the U.S. have led to domestic storms. In this interview Neelam Deo, Director, Gateway House, explains why foreign policy has only occasionally been a key factor in the elections

The return of the Awami League to power has generated protests and violence in Bangladesh. India’s support to the January 5 election was aimed at keeping at bay anti-India forces in Bangladesh, but anti-India sentiment in the country is high and fresh elections may throw up a result that does not suit New Delhi

Shortly after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka, Gateway House interviewed the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to India, Tariq Ahmad Karim, who commented on the prospects of enhanced relations between the two nations, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka was, by and large, a success; but poor internal coordination hampered the greater possibilities of the visit. India and Bangladesh can now explore new prospects, on maritime issues, oil and gas and environmental concerns in the Sundarbans.

Resolving the issues facing the mangrove forest can advance the relationship between India and Bangladesh

On September 6, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit Bangladesh for a highly anticipated round of talks. This is the moment for both sides to look afresh at the Sundarbans and make it the creative spur for our bilateral prosperity, says Shloka Nath.

While the fractious Indo-Bangladesh relationship has made progress over the past few months, both sides must engage in environmental diplomacy in the vulnerable Sundarbans region to ensure bilateral prosperity.