Debashis Chakrabarti
The rich taste of hilsa, a delicate fish prized across the Indian subcontinent, especially in West Bengal, has long transcended culinary indulgence, becoming an unlikely but effective diplomatic tool in the tense relations between India and Bangladesh.
This “hilsa diplomacy,” initiated during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, reflects Bangladesh’s strategic use of the fish to ease bilateral frictions, particularly around the festive season of Durga Puja. With the recent decision by Bangladesh’s interim government to allow the export of 3,000 metric tons of hilsa to India despite domestic supply shortages, the question arises: Can hilsa really help thaw the growing diplomatic freeze?
The Cultural Importance of Hilsa
Every year, during Durga Puja, West Bengal’s appetite for hilsa peaks. The fish from Bangladesh’s Padma River, known for its superior quality, commands a special place in the kitchens of Kolkata, where it is cooked in mustard gravy, fried, or steamed. Though hilsa is available in other regions such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, the fish from Bangladesh remains unmatched, making it a highly sought-after delicacy in the Indian market. For Bangladesh, exporting hilsa to India during the festive season is not just about economic gain; it carries significant cultural weight.
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