Question

Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.

Answer 1

India's involvement in the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 was driven by a complex interplay of geopolitical, humanitarian, and security considerations. The crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) provided India with both opportunities and challenges, prompting it to play a decisive role in the creation of Bangladesh. Here is a critical examination of the compulsions that led to India's involvement:

1. Humanitarian Crisis

• Massive Influx of Refugees:

  • The brutal crackdown by the Pakistani military on the Bengali population in East Pakistan, following the 1970 general elections, led to widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis.
  • An estimated 10 million refugees fled to India, primarily to the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, creating a massive socio-economic burden on India and a humanitarian challenge that needed urgent attention.

• International Inaction:

  • The lack of adequate international response to the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing genocide in East Pakistan compelled India to consider intervention as a means to resolve the crisis and alleviate the suffering of millions.

2. Geopolitical Considerations

• Strategic Interests:

  • The liberation of East Pakistan aligned with India’s strategic interests in weakening Pakistan, which had been a persistent adversary since independence.
  • A friendly and independent Bangladesh could alter the regional balance of power in India’s favor, reducing the threat posed by a united Pakistan on its eastern and western borders.

• Soviet Support:

  • The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, signed in August 1971, provided India with diplomatic backing and strategic assurance from the Soviet Union, strengthening India's position and resolve to intervene.

3. Security Concerns

• Threat to National Security:

  • The refugee influx posed a significant security threat, potentially destabilizing India’s northeastern states through communal tensions and resource strains.
  • The prolonged crisis risked escalating into a broader conflict that could draw in external powers, further threatening regional stability and India’s national security.

• Cross-Border Insurgency:

  • The Pakistani military’s operations in East Pakistan exacerbated insurgency problems in India’s northeast, with fears that continued instability could provide a base for anti-India activities.

4. Moral and Political Imperatives

• Support for Self-Determination:

  • India had long championed the principle of self-determination and decolonization, which resonated with the aspirations of the Bengali population seeking independence from West Pakistani domination.
  • Supporting the Mukti Bahini (Bengali freedom fighters) and the cause of Bangladesh aligned with India’s moral and ideological stance on freedom and democracy.

• Domestic Political Pressure:

  • Prime Minister Indira Gandhi faced domestic pressure to take decisive action, as public opinion strongly favored intervention to support the Bengali cause and address the refugee crisis.

5. International Dynamics

• US and Chinese Positions:
  • The United States and China were perceived as supportive of Pakistan, complicating India’s diplomatic efforts to garner international support for its position.
  • India’s intervention was partly motivated by the need to counterbalance these geopolitical dynamics and assert its influence in the region.

India's Role in the Liberation War

• Military Intervention:

  • On December 3, 1971, following Pakistan’s preemptive air strikes on Indian airfields, India launched a full-scale military intervention, leading to a swift and decisive victory against Pakistani forces.
  • The Indian military, in coordination with the Mukti Bahini, achieved the liberation of Dhaka on December 16, 1971, resulting in the surrender of Pakistani forces and the creation of Bangladesh.

• Diplomatic Efforts:

  • India engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to highlight the crisis in East Pakistan and justify its intervention, ultimately gaining international recognition for Bangladesh.

Conclusion

India’s decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh was driven by a combination of humanitarian, geopolitical, security, and moral considerations. While the intervention posed significant risks, it was seen as necessary to address the humanitarian crisis, safeguard national security, and support the legitimate aspirations of the Bengali people. The successful creation of Bangladesh not only alleviated immediate humanitarian and security challenges but also reshaped regional dynamics, enhancing India's strategic position in South Asia. However, the intervention also set a precedent for India's role as a regional power and highlighted the complexities of balancing moral imperatives with geopolitical realities.