The current stance taken by the Indian government toward Bangladesh’s interim government highlights a pragmatic recalibration in its foreign policy amidst a sensitive political transition in Dhaka.
While India seeks to maintain stability and foster long-term ties with its eastern neighbour, this approach has elicited mixed responses domestically in both countries.
Understanding the broader implications of this strategy requires a detailed exploration of the historical relationship, recent tensions, and domestic challenges that influence bilateral policy-making in both nations.
India distanced itself from former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's criticism of the interim government under Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, on 11 December, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri referred to these remarks as a recurring "pinprick" in India-Bangladesh relations, according to The Hindu.
Misri highlighted that India’s relationship with Bangladesh extends beyond any specific political party or government, placing greater emphasis on strengthening its connection with the Bangladeshi people.
India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, India has played a pivotal role in supporting its neighbour politically and economically.
Over the years, the relationship has been strengthened by shared interests in regional stability, trade, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
However, the close alignment with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, particularly during her prolonged tenure, has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Many perceive India as overly reliant on Hasina to maintain bilateral relations, creating an impression of partisanship.
The recent political developments in Bangladesh, with the interim government under Muhammad Yunus assuming charge, have introduced a layer of uncertainty.
Sheikh Hasina has publicly criticised the interim administration, accusing it of undermining democratic principles.
India, however, has taken a measured approach, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri making it clear that India’s relationship with Bangladesh transcends any single political party.
This stance reflects a strategic effort to balance relations with both the Awami League and the interim government, ensuring continuity of bilateral cooperation.
India’s response also indicates a broader concern about domestic perceptions of its foreign policy.
The BJP-led Indian government faces scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society groups over its handling of relations with neighbouring countries.
Critics often point to India's foreign policy inconsistencies, including accusations of favouritism in Bangladesh. The perception that India is distancing itself from Sheikh Hasina’s administration could be seen as an attempt to preemptively mitigate criticism of partisanship.
However, this shift has not been without repercussions, as some opposition voices in India question whether this neutrality weakens India’s long-standing partnership with the Awami League, potentially opening the door to greater influence from other regional players, such as China.
In Bangladesh, domestic opposition to India’s policies is deeply rooted in historical grievances and nationalist sentiments.
The perception of India as a “big brother” has occasionally fuelled anti-India rhetoric, particularly among opposition parties like the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) and Islamist groups.
These factions have criticised Sheikh Hasina for prioritising India’s interests over Bangladesh’s sovereignty, citing agreements on river water sharing, trade imbalances, and energy projects as evidence.
As the interim government seeks to establish its authority, there is potential for nationalist voices to amplify anti-India sentiments, particularly if India is perceived as meddling in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
Misri’s reassurances that India remains neutral and focused on people-to-people ties could help counter this narrative, but the success of this approach depends on careful diplomacy.
Recent tensions in India-Bangladesh relations have added to the complexity.
Alleged Violence against minority communities in Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism in India, particularly from Hindu nationalist groups.
The attacks on temples and cultural centres, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, have been highlighted as a failure of the Bangladeshi authorities to protect religious and cultural minorities.
Misri’s briefing acknowledged these concerns and called for greater accountability from the interim government.
While the arrests of 88 individuals involved in the violence were a positive step, the Indian government’s inability to elicit a stronger commitment from Dhaka has drawn criticism domestically, especially from groups advocating for the rights of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Conversely, the interim government in Bangladesh has raised concerns about disinformation campaigns in the Indian press, accusing Indian media of exaggerating incidents of violence and creating a distorted image of Bangladesh.
This reflects a broader issue of mistrust, as both countries struggle to manage narratives around sensitive events.
The Bangladeshi government has also flagged India’s alleged failure to address long-standing issues such as water-sharing agreements, border killings, and trade barriers.
These grievances have been leveraged by opposition parties in Bangladesh to question India’s commitment to equitable bilateral relations, further complicating the interim government’s position.
Protests in both countries have exacerbated these tensions.
In India, right-wing groups have organised demonstrations against the perceived leniency of the Bangladeshi government in addressing attacks on Hindu minorities.
These protests have put pressure on the Indian government to adopt a tougher stance, potentially straining its efforts to maintain neutrality.
Similarly, in Bangladesh, nationalist groups have criticised India’s silence on issues like border killings and trade imbalances, accusing it of taking Bangladesh for granted.
The interim government’s ability to navigate these pressures will be crucial in determining the trajectory of bilateral relations.
India’s engagement with the interim government, despite these challenges, underscores its pragmatic recognition of Bangladesh’s strategic importance.
As South Asia’s largest trade and connectivity partner, Bangladesh plays a critical role in India’s regional aspirations.
The development of rail and waterway links, cross-border energy projects, and trade partnerships are vital components of India’s Act East policy.
By maintaining open lines of communication with the interim administration, India ensures that these initiatives remain on track, despite political uncertainties in Dhaka.
This approach also reflects India’s broader regional strategy of fostering stability and countering China’s growing influence in South Asia.
China’s increasing investments in Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors, have raised concerns in New Delhi.
By emphasising people-to-people ties and economic cooperation, India seeks to counterbalance China’s presence and maintain its foothold in Bangladesh.
The issuance of 1.6 million visas to Bangladeshi visitors last year highlights India’s commitment to strengthening cultural and social connections, which serve as a counterweight to China’s economic dominance.
The potential for future cooperation between India and Bangladesh remains significant, but realising this potential requires addressing domestic discontent in both countries.
For India, managing the expectations of its domestic constituencies while maintaining a balanced approach toward Bangladesh is a delicate task.
The Indian government must continue to advocate for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh while avoiding actions that could be perceived as interference in its neighbour’s internal affairs.
Similarly, the Bangladeshi government must address India’s concerns about security and counter-terrorism, particularly the release of individuals accused of anti-India rhetoric, to build trust and demonstrate its commitment to bilateral cooperation.
India’s measured stance toward Bangladesh’s interim government represents a strategic attempt to navigate a politically sensitive period while preserving long-term bilateral ties.
By focusing on people-to-people connections, economic partnerships, and mutual security concerns, India seeks to sustain its relationship with Bangladesh despite domestic and regional challenges.
However, the success of this approach depends on the ability of both countries to address domestic protests and grievances that threaten to derail progress.
For India, balancing neutrality with assertiveness is key to maintaining its influence in Dhaka while countering criticism at home.
For Bangladesh, ensuring accountability, addressing minority rights, and fostering equitable economic ties with India will be crucial in dispelling nationalist narratives and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
This careful balancing act, if managed effectively, could pave the way for a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership in the years to come.
