The 2020 agreement facilitated export of Bangladeshi goods through Indian Land Customs Stations (LCSs) to ports for destinations in third countries in Europe, West Asia, and beyond.
- India cited logistical challenges such as significant congestion at Indian ports and airports hindering India’s own export processes, as primary reason for revoking the agreement.
- However, decision also follows strained bilateral relations and recent remarks by Bangladesh government’s Chief Advisor that Bangladesh is the only guardian for all in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), denouncing India’s role as Net Security Provider.
India’s role as Net Security Provider in IOR
- Geo-Strategic: India’s central position in the IOR, with a 7,500-km coastline and proximity to key chokepoints (e.g., Strait of Malacca, Bab al-Mandab).
- India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) Vision, 2025 as an extension of the 2015 SAGAR doctrine.
- Maritime Security: India undertakes anti-piracy and counter-trafficking operations in the IOR, ensuring security of Sea Lines of Communication.
- Development and Humanitarian Assistance: India’s rapid response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, water crisis in Maldives (2004), economic crisis in Sri Lanka (2022), etc. establish its credentials as the first responder to the crisis in the IOR.
Challenges to India’s position in IOR
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