In which year India and Bangladesh signed the Treaty of Friendship and Peace for the term of 25 years ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace between India and Bangladesh was signed in **1972**, specifically on March 19, 1972, in Dhaka. This treaty was a foundational document solidifying the close relationship between the two nations following the Liberation War of 1971, in which India played a crucial supportive role. The treaty formalized the spirit of cooperation, mutual security, and non-interference, and was designed to last for a period of 25 years. Key provisions included agreements on defense cooperation, trade, cultural exchange, and mutual security consultations in the event of an attack or threat against either country. This agreement was instrumental in establishing the post-war diplomatic and strategic framework for the newly independent Bangladesh and demonstrated India's commitment to the new nation’s sovereignty and stability. By establishing a mutual security commitment, the treaty aimed to deter external aggression and ensure regional peace. The 25-year term was a strategic mechanism to ensure long-term stability and continued collaboration in various fields of mutual interest, reflecting the depth of trust and shared history forged during the struggle for liberation.

The incorrect option is 1:

**1971** is incorrect because while it was the year of Bangladesh’s birth and liberation from Pakistan, the Treaty of Friendship and Peace was not signed until the following year. 1971 was dominated by the intense diplomatic and military engagement of the Liberation War itself, culminating in the surrender of Pakistani forces in December. Although the groundwork for a strong bilateral relationship was laid during 1971, the formal, binding treaty that outlined the 25-year framework for peace and cooperation required the establishment of the government and formalization of diplomatic processes in the newly independent country, which extended into 1972. Thus, 1971 marks the genesis of the nation, but not the signing of this specific bilateral treaty.

The incorrect option is 3:

**1973** is incorrect as the crucial Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace had already been signed in 1972. While 1973 saw continued diplomatic activity and the deepening of ties between India and Bangladesh, including agreements on repatriation of prisoners of war and further economic cooperation, the cornerstone agreement governing the 25-year relationship was already in force. Important events like the Delhi Agreement of 1973, concerning the repatriation of POWs and civilians, took place during this year, but they were subsequent steps building upon the foundation established by the 1972 treaty. Therefore, 1973 reflects the ongoing application of the relationship, not the initiation of the long-term treaty itself.

The incorrect option is 4:

**1974** is incorrect because by this year, the core diplomatic and security architecture between the two nations, including the 25-year treaty, was firmly in place. Major diplomatic breakthroughs, such as the signing of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) concerning the demarcation of borders, occurred in 1974. This agreement (Indira-Mujib Pact) was a significant achievement in resolving long-standing boundary disputes. However, the Treaty of Friendship and Peace precedes this by two years. 1974 represents a stage of maturity in the bilateral relationship, moving beyond the immediate post-war agreements to tackling more complex, long-term issues like boundary resolution, making it too late for the initial signing of the friendship treaty.