Que. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.

उन परिस्थितियों का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए जिनके कारण भारत को बांग्लादेश के उदय में निर्णायक भूमिका का निर्वहन करना पड़ा।

Structure of the Answer

(i) Introduction: Introduce the geopolitical situation of East Pakistan, highlighting the events that led to India’s decisive involvement in 1971.

(ii) Main Body: Critically examine the “compulsions” that led to India’s involvement, including humanitarian, strategic, geopolitical, and security factors.

(iii) Conclusion: Summarize how India’s intervention in the Bangladesh liberation was shaped by these compulsions, impacting the region’s future dynamics.

Introduction 

India’s decisive role in the “emergence of Bangladesh” in 1971 was driven by a combination of humanitarian crises, “security concerns”, and strategic compulsions shaped by the Indo-Pak conflict and regional geopolitics.

Humanitarian Compulsions

(i) Mass Atrocities and Genocide in East Pakistan: Pakistan’s military crackdown under “Operation Searchlight” in March 1971 led to mass atrocities, where Bengali civilians were targeted, creating global outcry. India was compelled to act against this “humanitarian crisis”.

(ii) Massive Influx of Refugees: Over “10 million refugees” fled to India, overwhelming resources in border states like West Bengal and Assam. This unprecedented refugee crisis put significant pressure on India’s economy and social fabric.

(iii) India’s Responsibility as a Regional Power: India, as the largest democracy and a key power in South Asia, faced mounting domestic and international pressure to intervene in East Pakistan to protect the Bengali population from genocide.

(iv) Diplomatic Isolation of Refugees: International bodies like the “United Nations” failed to provide concrete action in addressing the refugee crisis, leaving India with limited options but to take direct action to prevent further displacement.

(v) Political and Social Unrest in India: The refugee influx and the atrocities in East Pakistan triggered political and social unrest within India. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government faced rising internal pressure from civil society and opposition groups to intervene.

Geopolitical Compulsions

(i) Cold War Dynamics and Superpower Influence: The 1971 crisis unfolded within the framework of the “Cold War”. India aligned with the Soviet Union, particularly after signing the “Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation”, which provided a strategic umbrella against potential US or Chinese intervention on Pakistan’s behalf.

(ii) Pakistan’s Proximity to China: Pakistan’s growing “military cooperation” with China, particularly after the 1962 Sino-Indian war, was a significant security concern for India. Weakening Pakistan’s influence in East Pakistan countered this growing Sino-Pakistani alliance.

(iii) Securing India’s Position in South Asia: India had a vested interest in ensuring that its regional influence in South Asia was not threatened by a united and militarily aggressive Pakistan. By supporting Bangladesh’s creation, India secured a friendly eastern neighbor.

(iv) Pakistan’s Relationship with the USA: The USA’s strategic alliance with Pakistan, including the supply of military aid, was seen as a direct threat to Indian security. India’s intervention in Bangladesh weakened Pakistan’s military capabilities and its international support.

(v) Regional Leadership and Non-Aligned Movement: India sought to assert its leadership in South Asia and the “Non-Aligned Movement”. Supporting Bangladesh’s independence allowed India to project itself as a leader in regional self-determination, enhancing its global diplomatic stature.

Strategic and Security Compulsions

(i) Threat of a Two-Front War: A unified Pakistan with East and West Pakistan posed the risk of a “two-front conflict” for India, particularly after the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Disintegration of Pakistan into two separate entities weakened this threat.

(ii) Securing Eastern Borders: The presence of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan threatened India’s eastern borders, particularly in Assam and West Bengal. India’s intervention helped secure these borders by eliminating a hostile military presence.

(iii) Emergence of a Friendly Bangladesh: India’s strategic goal was to ensure the creation of a friendly, stable neighbor in place of a hostile East Pakistan. “Bangladesh” would serve as a buffer between India and Pakistan, enhancing India’s regional security.

(iv) Military Readiness and Soviet Support: By 1971, India had achieved significant “military preparedness”, including support from the Soviet Union. This military advantage, coupled with the Soviet backing, allowed India to intervene with minimal risk of failure.

(v) Kashmir and Pakistan’s Military Posture: Pakistan’s military focus on Kashmir and its aggressive stance in the region was a long-term threat to India. By dismantling Pakistan’s eastern wing, India weakened Pakistan’s overall military posture and influence.

Political and Domestic Compulsions

(i) Indira Gandhi’s Leadership and Political Pressure: Prime Minister “Indira Gandhi” played a decisive role in shaping India’s intervention in Bangladesh. Her leadership was instrumental in building international support and managing domestic political pressure to act.

(ii) Economic Strain and Public Unrest: The economic burden of hosting millions of refugees from East Pakistan, combined with growing public unrest, created pressure on the government to find a permanent solution through military intervention.

(iii) Failure of Diplomatic Efforts: Initial diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, including discussions at the “UN”, failed to provide any tangible results. Pakistan’s unwillingness to negotiate compelled India to opt for a military solution to end the crisis.

(iv) Internal Security Concerns: The influx of refugees from East Pakistan brought concerns of “internal security” and the possibility of destabilization in India’s northeastern regions, where ethnic and separatist tensions already existed.

(v) India’s Role in Global Diplomacy: India sought to enhance its “diplomatic profile” on the global stage by championing the cause of self-determination for Bangladesh, further solidifying its stance as a responsible regional power.

Conclusion 

India’s decisive role in the “emergence of Bangladesh” was shaped by humanitarian, geopolitical, and strategic compulsions, significantly altering regional dynamics and securing India’s influence in South Asia’s future.