India revokes transit agreement with Bangladesh

Context:

Recently, India revoked the 2020 transit agreement that facilitated Bangladesh exports from India. Earlier, based on the 2020 agreement, Bangladeshi goods were exported through the Indian Land Customs Stations (LCSs) to Europe, West Asia, and beyond.

Relevance:
GS-03 (Economy)

Key Highlights

Purpose of the 2020 Agreement:
- Facilitated Bangladesh’s export to Europe, West Asia, and beyond using Indian ports.
India’s reasons for revocation:
- Logistical challenges: Increasing congestion at ports and airports affecting India’s own exports.
- Strategic Shift: Comes amid growing diplomatic tension, following remarks by Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor claiming Bangladesh as the “sole guardian” of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)—a position that undermines India’s role.

India’s Role as Net Security Provider in the IOR

Geostrategic Importance

Location: Central position with a 7,500 km coastline and proximity to key sea lanes and chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca and Bab al-Mandab.

Maritime Initiatives

SAGAR (2015): Security and Growth for All in the Region
MAHASAGAR Vision (2025): Promotes a mutual and holistic approach to maritime security and development.

Security Operations

Active in anti-piracy, human trafficking, and drug smuggling patrols.
Ensures freedom of navigation and protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).

Humanitarian Leadership

Rapid response during: 2004 Tsunami, Maldives water crisis, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (2022).
Reinforces India as the First Responder in the IOR.

(Prelims Practice Question)

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to India’s maritime strategy:

The SAGAR doctrine stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
The MAHASAGAR Vision, 2025, is an Indian policy framework to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.
The Gwadar Port is located in Sri Lanka and is developed by China under the String of Pearls strategy.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A. 1 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct—SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Statement 2 is incorrect—MAHASAGAR is not specifically to counter BRI, and its scope is broader than Africa.
Statement 3 is incorrect—Gwadar Port is in Pakistan, not Sri Lanka.