FROM A FRIENDLY STATE TO A HEGEMONIC NEIGHBOUR: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

Abstract

Politically, economically, and militarily India is the most powerful country in South Asia. The neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan are relatively small and weak in power. Therefore, India wants to control, supervise, and lead over these countries in the region.

Bangladesh is strategically very important for India. India’s security and integrity mostly lies on Bangladesh. Other two regional power; China and Pakistan also want Bangladesh on their side to tackle India which may be a big threat to India’s security and integrity.  Historically India Bangladesh had very friendly relations. But India changes its policy from friendly state to a coercive state as soon as Bangladesh tried to develop its relations with China.

This research paper examine why and how India establishes her hegemony over Bangladesh. It argues that Hegemonic Stability Theory, which is believed by Indian authority, can only provide a security and stability for the region. But India is looking beyond that. It is searching for a greater united India or a Indian lead South Asia so that no other regional power can dominate the region.