India-Bangladesh ties: Eid diplomacy signals a thaw
India and Bangladesh, after months of diplomatic chill, are now once again trying to come closer and bury the hatchet. After Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and her taking shelter in India, public sentiment in Bangladesh was negative about India, to say the least. But full marks to PM Modi for greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and inviting him to India. The invitation has been readily accepted by him, which shows that the two nations have made up their minds to leave the past behind and build relations despite Sheikh Hasina’s pending extradition to Bangladesh. This outreach goes beyond ceremonial warmth; it reflects a will to reset relations, which are hurting both sides. India and Bangladesh share a unique relationship rooted in history, geography, and culture. The ties grew stronger with connectivity, trade, and security cooperation, though not without irritants, such as border management and water issues, which derailed relations many times. A large section of Bangladesh has seen India as a big brother trying to dominate it and meddle in its affairs.
This became pronounced during the Gen Z uprising, when anti-India sentiment reached a crescendo. However, after the elections and with a mature and pragmatic government in Dhaka, things can certainly become better. Tarique Rahman, with a strong mandate, can take unpopular decisions which would be good for Bangladesh in the long run. His early communication to Modi underscores three things: recognition of shared historical bonds, a focus on delivering tangible benefits to citizens, and a commitment to advancing ties based on equality, dignity, and mutual respect. Notably, his reference to India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision suggests a willingness to align Bangladesh’s developmental aspirations with India’s long-term regional outlook. Indeed, there are challenges that the new government will have to take into account—Bangladesh's economy faces headwinds from global uncertainties, export dependencies, and energy vulnerabilities.
India has long supported Bangladesh with infrastructure and energy projects, and this cooperation can be further strengthened, keeping in mind that Bangladesh is facing a tough time as it works to set its house in order. For long, India has been keen to keep its next-door neighbours happy and build good relations with them, which are mutually beneficial and help each other in times of natural calamities, pandemics, and economic crises. Bangladesh fits perfectly into India's "Neighbourhood First” policy. Enhanced cooperation with Dhaka facilitates connectivity to the Northeast, strengthens regional supply chains, and, above all, helps keep Chinese influence at bay. However, the two leaders will have to tread cautiously, as domestic political narratives in both countries are not conducive and can derail progress. The need of the hour is that both countries must resolve pending issues like water-sharing and cross-border migration. Rahman’s visit could go a long way in building lasting relations with Bangladesh.
