India’s Tough Stance on Bangladesh: Water Treaty Review, Illegal Immigrant Crackdown, and Trade Restrictions
India is taking a series of tough measures against Bangladesh, which has recently been leaning more towards China and Pakistan. Despite repeated diplomatic nudges from India, Bangladesh has shown little willingness to amend its stance. Now, India’s decision to review the Ganga Water Treaty is likely to deliver a significant jolt to Dhaka, possibly leading to panic and pressure within the country.
In addition, India is also intensifying its efforts to expel illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, especially from states like Assam and Maharashtra. These developments pose a growing internal challenge for Bangladesh as deported nationals return in increasing numbers.
Review of the Ganga Water Treaty
India’s move to review the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, which governs the distribution of the Ganga river’s water via the Farakka Barrage, has alarmed Bangladesh. The treaty, signed by then Indian Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was designed to ensure fair water distribution during dry seasons. However, due to rising populations, climate change, and increasing pressure on water resources, India now believes the treaty needs to be reevaluated.
Bangladesh fears India might cut off water the same way it did with Pakistan in some river systems. Indian states like West Bengal have also raised concerns about water shortages due to outflows to Bangladesh. As water becomes more of a strategic resource than merely a natural one, India seeks to reshape its water diplomacy to meet modern realities.
Assam’s Actions Against Illegal Immigrants
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced plans to tighten rules for issuing Aadhaar cards to adults, aiming to prevent illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from obtaining them. Under the new proposal, Aadhaar cards will only be issued after thorough verification, with District Commissioners given the sole authority to issue them. The government also plans to apply similar strictness to issuing birth certificates.
While Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, it is widely used for official purposes such as voting, banking, and accessing government services. Sarma emphasized the state’s commitment to identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, citing a recent operation where 20 Bangladeshis were deported in a single night.
Maharashtra’s Circular Against Employers of Illegal Bangladeshis
Maharashtra’s Home Department issued a circular warning that employers hiring illegal Bangladeshi immigrants will be held legally responsible. The circular mentions potential legal amendments and the introduction of an online system for verifying documents. Many Bangladeshi migrants work in construction, industry, and other sectors for lower wages, but the state warns that their presence could pose a national security threat.
Any government officer found helping infiltrators get official documents using fake IDs will face criminal prosecution. The directive instructs all departments to ensure that infiltrators are not employed in any sector, particularly in roles such as drivers, mechanics, welders, or plumbers.
Trade Restrictions and Economic Measures
India has also imposed restrictions on imports and exports involving Bangladesh. To ensure fairness in bilateral trade, India recently limited exports of readymade garments and consumer goods via land routes. Now, it has restricted the import of specific jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh, allowing their entry only through the Nhava Sheva Port in Maharashtra.
Earlier, India had revoked Bangladesh’s access to conduct third-country trade via its territory—except in the case of Nepal and Bhutan. These moves came after controversial remarks made by Bangladesh’s interim government head Muhammad Yunus in China, as well as ongoing concerns about attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
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