*1. Background: Tarique Rahman’s Visit to Japan**

During Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Japan from 26–29 October 2026, Bangladesh and Japan agreed to elevate the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative into a new framework of cooperation titled *BIG-B for Shared Prosperity*.

However, the issue of connectivity and economic integration between Bangladesh and India’s north-eastern region has once again come into focus in the context of this initiative. Consequently, alongside bilateral cooperation, its regional geopolitical significance has also increased.

**2. India’s Significance in Japanese Media Coverage**

Japan’s Nikkei media outlet has highlighted plans for Japanese investment in Bangladesh amounting to approximately one trillion yen over the next five years.

Meanwhile, India is an important partner in Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Expanding connectivity between Bangladesh and India’s north-eastern region, alongside developing Bay of Bengal-centred economic linkages, forms part of Japan’s broader strategic vision.

Research by Japan’s JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development has also highlighted the potential for trilateral economic cooperation among Bangladesh, India and Japan.

**3. BIG-B: Bangladesh’s Potential and India’s Interests**

Launched in 2014, BIG-B primarily aims to promote Bangladesh’s industrialisation, infrastructure development, energy security and trade expansion. The Matarbari Deep Sea Port is one of the initiative’s most significant components.

However, Bangladesh’s geographical position also offers opportunities to enhance connectivity between the Bay of Bengal and India’s north-eastern region. This could provide India with commercial advantages. The key question is how much economic benefit, investment and revenue Bangladesh can secure in return.

**4. The Joint Statement of 27 October and India’s Position**

The joint statement published by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified connectivity, disaster management, economic growth, and regional peace and stability as the principal areas of cooperation.

It also referred to the prospect of approximately one trillion yen in investment and the creation of around 200,000 employment opportunities over the next five years.

However, the joint statement contains no explicit reference to India being formally included as a partner in BIG-B.

**5. Bangladesh’s Position and the Question of National Interests**

On 30 October, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir stated that discussions on BIG-B had remained confined to Bangladesh and Japan, with no discussions about including any third country.

In any regional cooperation initiative, Bangladesh should ensure several key considerations:

- Bangladesh’s priority rights in the use of its own ports, including Matarbari.
- Fair transit and transportation fees in exchange for access to and use of its facilities.
- Tangible benefits in terms of investment, employment and industrialisation.
- Bangladesh’s sovereign authority over infrastructure and maritime security.
- Transparency and accountability in the terms and conditions of agreements.

**6. Geopolitical Assessment and Conclusion**

For Japan, Bangladesh is an economic and strategic partner centred on the Bay of Bengal. For India, Bangladesh’s geographical position is important for expanding connectivity and trade with its north-eastern region.

Therefore, within the India–Japan strategic equation, Bangladesh must give priority to its national interests, economic returns and sovereignty. While maintaining cooperation with Japan and engagement with India based on practical needs, it is equally important to preserve balanced relations with China and other development partners.

Bangladesh’s geographical position may create strategic advantages for other countries; however, ensuring fair economic returns and safeguarding national interests in exchange for such advantages must remain the principal objectives of the country’s state diplomacy.

*[The author, Professor M. A. Barnik, is a distinguished defence analyst and an astute observer of international geopolitical strategies.]*