India’s Politicking in the Bangladeshi Liberation War

What is the issue?

• India’s active engagement in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war achieved important self-serving strategic objectives. 
• But the mission also successfully managed to portray a strong humanitarian angle to its cause.

What were the mission’s strategic calculations?

• Bangladeshi liberation militias were no match for the Pakistan army’s military might and there was also enough political resistance against a clear separation.
• While the Indian intervention was the key factor that tipped the balance, the intervention was lesser about compassion and more about real politicking.
• Duel Front - The Bengali uprising provided India with an opportunity to break Pakistan, which will thereby prevent a duel front war in future.
• Notably, although the eastern front remained largely inactive during the 1965 war, it tied down substantial military resources, which constrained operations.
• It was estimated that while the newly formed country in the east might not remain an ally forever, it can never be as threatening as duel fronted Pakistan.  
• Future Diplomacy - It was thought that if Bangladesh became independent without Indian help, future bilateral relationships might not be smooth.
• Notably, India had strongly encouraged the Bengali movement for autonomy through propaganda and secret financial support even before 1971.
• Hence, not intervening to stop the Pakistani military for decimating the assertive Bengali voices would’ve become a serious breach of trust.
• Pro-Indian Polity - A non-interventionist civil war would’ve radicalised the Bengali population and sidelined the pro-India centrist Awami League Party.
• This could’ve lead to shifting the leadership of the movement to left-wing pro-China leftist parties such as National Awami Party and the Communist Party.
• Also, protracted guerrilla warfare could’ve taken shape there, which had inherent security risks for India as Naxalism was rising in India too.

How concerning was the plight of the Refugees?

• Over 10 million refugees had fled to states bordering Bangladesh in order to escape the unfolding violence, which indeed concerned India.
• But the concern was more economic rather than the humanitarian as refugees numbers were burgeoning had to be fed and accommodated. 
• There were also ample avenues for a communal strife as migrating Hindus and Muslims saw the members of the opposite religion with suspicion.
• Ultimately, the campaign was brilliantly conceived and deftly executed and furthered India’s strategic objectives while being seen as compassionate.

Source: The Hindu