Friendship should be like this! Amidst the Middle East crisis, India gave a big ‘surprise’ gift to Bangladesh

New Delhi/Dhaka: When the economies of the whole world were groaning due to the ongoing severe tension in the Middle East and halt in the supply of crude oil, its deep impact was visible in South Asia also. In such a critical time, India once again introduced its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and took the hand of Bangladesh. When Bangladesh was on the verge of energy crisis, India helped it like a true friend.

India becomes messiah in diesel crisis

Recently, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told in an interview that the supply chain of crude oil was badly affected due to the war. There was a huge shortage of diesel and fuel in his country. In such a situation, Bangladesh requested India for help. New Delhi took immediate action without any delay. The supply of diesel through the pipeline between India and Bangladesh was not only continued, but assurance was also given to increase it. Rahman said that India respected the needs of Bangladesh despite its domestic needs.

Relationships are based on the foundation of trust

Relations between India and Bangladesh are not limited to mere files or offices. Common rivers, long borders and similar culture between the two countries further deepen this bond. A beautiful glimpse of this was seen recently in Delhi on March 26, when on the occasion of ‘National Day’ of Bangladesh, the national anthems of both the countries were performed live. Khalilur Rahman called it a ‘mirror of strong relationships’. Both the countries are now working on the formula on how to slowly but firmly take this partnership to new heights.

Energy crisis and the test of water diplomacy

The turmoil created by the Middle East crisis in the global energy market put a real test on the relations between India and Bangladesh. India’s prompt help in this difficult time is being considered as a big sign of ‘reset’ of relations. Apart from this, now all eyes are on the ‘Ganga Water Treaty’, which is again under negotiation. Rahman believes that water is not just a resource, but it is the bond connecting civilizations. In the coming 30 years, ‘Climate Resilience’ will become the main basis of friendship between the two countries.

Bangladesh’s blunt stance on China

China is often mentioned in India-Bangladesh relations, but Rahman made the picture completely clear regarding this. He clarified that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is not against any one country. He described India not as an ‘external partner’ but as a ‘structural partner’. He says that relations with China have their place, but the relationship with India cannot be compared with anyone else. It is clear that whenever the situation becomes difficult, India will never step back in following the religion of its neighbour.