In a significant development, Tripura has urged Bangladesh to clear Rs 135 crore in outstanding electricity dues, highlighting growing concerns over delayed payments and recent anti-India incidents. The appeal follows an attack on an Agartala-Kolkata bus that was passing through the Brahmanbaria district of Bangladesh, when demonstrators yelled anti-Indian epithets. The intricacy of sustaining cross-border energy cooperation is highlighted by the dual challenges of financial strain and geopolitical tension.
 

1. Power Debt: A Lingering Issue

Bangladesh owes Tripura a substantial Rs 135 crore for power supplied through the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). Despite regular installments, the backlog has grown due to delayed payments. Tripura's power minister, Ratan Lal Nath, emphasized that at Rs 6.65 per unit, the rate offered to Bangladesh is competitive, yet timely payment is essential to sustain the state's energy supply chain.

TSECL’s Managing Director, Debasish Sarkar, expressed concerns over the financial strain caused by these delays, stating, "The pending dues have disrupted the financial flow, pushing us into a tough spot."

2. Cross-Border Power Trade and Growing Challenges

Under the agreement, Tripura supplies 160 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh, facilitated by the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN). Once a sign of close bilateral relations, this agreement is currently under stress as a result of late payments and growing anti-Indian sentiment. Sarkar mentioned that NTPC is in constant dialogue with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) to expedite payments.

This is not the first instance of disruption. Earlier in May, Tripura had restricted power supply when unpaid dues crossed Rs 100 crore, signaling a recurring issue in bilateral energy trade.

3. Rising Anti-India Sentiments in Bangladesh

The financial dispute coincides with an increase in anti-India activities in Bangladesh. Recently, an Agartala-Kolkata bus traveling through Dhaka faced an attack in Brahmanbaria, where protesters threatened passengers and raised anti-India slogans. These incidents have further strained relations, making the timely resolution of financial issues even more critical.

4. From Power Surplus to Financial Strain

Once a power-surplus state, Tripura now struggles to meet domestic electricity demand due to reduced power generation. Sarkar revealed that production has dropped by 60 to 70 MW, largely due to insufficient gas supplies to thermal power plants. Tripura has been forced to purchase electricity from the power exchange, increasing financial stress.

“If all power plants were running optimally, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Sarkar noted, emphasizing the need for efficient resource management.

5. Financial Strain on TSECL

The delayed payments have significantly impacted TSECL's operational capacity. Sarkar explained that the corporation’s liquidity issues have hindered infrastructure development and day-to-day operations. Efforts are underway to streamline payments, with high-level talks between TSECL, BPDB, and the Union Power Ministry.

6. Diplomatic Efforts for Resolution

Both Tripura and Bangladesh recognize the importance of resolving the issue to maintain bilateral ties. Sarkar has personally met with BPDB officials, and Minister Ratan Lal Nath has engaged with the Union Power Ministry to ensure the matter is addressed diplomatically.

Conclusion: A Test for Regional Energy Diplomacy

Tripura's demand for timely payment from Bangladesh underscores the challenges of balancing economic cooperation with political tensions. How both nations navigate this issue will serve as a crucial test of their diplomatic and economic resilience. Timely resolution will not only ease Tripura's financial burden but also strengthen the broader India-Bangladesh relationship.