Non-decisions are also decisions: power interplay between Bangladesh and India over the Brahmaputra River

Figures & data

Figure 1. Brahmaputra Dialogue meeting timeline.

Figure 2. Map of the Brahmaputra River basin.

Table 1. India’s use of material and ideational resources for non-participation.

	Material resources	Ideational resources
India’s non-participation leading to the status quo	India uses its geographic position, economic growth and military strength to make unilateral decisions on participation in the Brahmaputra Dialogue meetings.	India uses the narrative of confrontations and loss of dignity to a weaker riparian to avoid discussions on the Brahmaputra River. India uses the narrative of complex bureaucratic channels and permissions to decline participation in regional Brahmaputra Dialogue meetings.

Table 2. Hegemonic vulnerabilities and use of material and ideational resources.

	Material resources	Ideational resources
Hegemonic vulnerabilities leading to the status quo	–	India uses the narrative of domestic hydropower conflicts to avoid transboundary negotiations. India uses internal security and securitization narrative to not discuss the Brahmaputra River at transboundary level.

Table 3. Use of material and ideational resources by Bangladesh.

Material resources	Ideational resources
Bangladesh’s stable political situation helps to develop a consistent strategy to negotiate with India in the near future.	Bangladesh uses the narrative of lack of research and knowledge on the Brahmaputra to pursue proactive discussions and negotiations. Bangladesh is against the use of bilateralism principle in flood management and water sharing issues.