Want to 'reset' ties with India, should be done through bilateral discussions: Bangladesh
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh needs to move beyond what he described as an “excessive preoccupation” with India and approach its relationship with New Delhi in a balanced manner
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Context
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has expressed a desire to 'reset' its bilateral relations with India. This comes amid strained ties following India's decision to provide refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August 2024. Bangladesh is seeking a more balanced relationship, moving away from what it terms an 'excessive preoccupation' with India.
UPSC Perspectives
Geopolitical
The transition of power in Bangladesh presents a significant strategic challenge for India's Neighborhood First Policy. For over a decade, India enjoyed robust ties with the Sheikh Hasina government, cooperating closely on security, connectivity, and trade. The new administration's desire to 'reset' relations and reduce its 'fascination' with India signals a potential shift in Dhaka's foreign policy alignment. This could open doors for increased influence from other regional actors, notably China, which has been actively expanding its footprint in South Asia through initiatives like the . UPSC aspirants must analyze how India can navigate this delicate transition, safeguarding its security and strategic interests while respecting Bangladesh's sovereignty and political changes.
Diplomatic
The strained relations highlight the complexities of managing bilateral ties when domestic political upheavals occur in neighboring countries. India's decision to grant refuge to Sheikh Hasina has become a major friction point. This situation underscores the tension between providing asylum to former allies and maintaining pragmatic relations with the new leadership. The refusal of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the Summit hosted by India, citing the lack of a direct invitation and instead an invitation as the chair, reflects Dhaka's insistence on addressing bilateral issues through direct, mutually respectful engagement rather than multilateral forums. This emphasizes the need for adroit diplomacy to rebuild trust and re-establish a stable working relationship.
Security
A stable and friendly Bangladesh is critical for India's internal security, particularly concerning its vulnerable Northeastern region. The Hasina government's crackdown on anti-India insurgent groups operating from Bangladeshi soil was a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. Any dilution in this cooperation could have severe repercussions for India's border management and counter-terrorism efforts. Furthermore, the potential for instability or radicalization in Bangladesh during this transition phase is a direct security concern for India. Understanding the historical context of India-Bangladesh relations, including border disputes and river water sharing (like the Teesta river issue), is essential to grasp the multifaceted nature of their security interdependency.