India-Bangladesh Relations: A Complex Web of Mutual Interests and Challenges

India and Bangladesh share an intricate relationship shaped by history, economics, and political dynamics. The recent exchange of statements between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has once again brought to the forefront the complexities of their bilateral ties. Jaishankar’s remarks urging Bangladesh to "make up their mind" about their relationship with India have sparked significant debate, reflecting the evolving challenges and interests that define this partnership.

The historical foundation of India-Bangladesh relations dates back to the 1971 Liberation War when India played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. This support fostered a deep-rooted bond between the two nations, with cultural, economic, and strategic cooperation emerging as key elements of their engagement. Over the years, Bangladesh has benefited from India’s assistance in infrastructure, trade, and security matters. However, despite these longstanding ties, their relationship has not been without its tensions, and recent developments have added new layers of complexity.

One of the key sources of strain in India-Bangladesh relations is the political shift in Dhaka following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina, a long-time ally of India, was removed from power amid widespread protests, leading to her seeking refuge in India. This move has been a flashpoint in the relationship, as the interim government in Bangladesh has viewed India’s sheltering of Hasina as interference in its domestic affairs. India, on the other hand, maintains that Hasina's safety is a humanitarian concern and not a political maneuver.

Jaishankar’s sharp critique of Bangladesh’s stance came in response to allegations from the interim government accusing India of meddling in Bangladesh’s internal matters. Speaking at a public event in New Delhi, Jaishankar dismissed these accusations as "absolutely ridiculous" and emphasized the need for Bangladesh to clarify its position on its ties with India. His comments reflect India’s growing frustration with the shifting political climate in Bangladesh, where the interim administration’s approach toward India has been marked by uncertainty.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain countered Jaishankar’s remarks by reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to a constructive relationship with India, based on mutual respect and shared interests. Hossain stressed that Bangladesh’s position on its ties with India remains clear and consistent. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s statements from India, arguing that they have strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. Furthermore, Hossain underscored the principle of non-interference, stating that India should respect Bangladesh’s internal political developments and refrain from influencing its governance.

Among the many factors shaping India-Bangladesh relations, the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh remains a contentious issue. India has repeatedly expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, pointing to incidents of communal violence and the persecution of religious minorities. Bangladesh, however, maintains that these are domestic matters and has assured that its government is committed to protecting the rights of all its citizens. The issue of minority rights has often been a flashpoint in the bilateral relationship, particularly as India perceives religious violence in Bangladesh as a matter of regional security and humanitarian concern.

Political instability in Bangladesh further complicates the bilateral equation. The transition from Sheikh Hasina’s administration to the interim government has led to a period of uncertainty, with different factions within Bangladesh holding divergent views on how relations with India should be managed. While Hasina maintained a strong pro-India stance, the new administration has taken a more cautious approach, balancing its engagement with both India and other regional players such as China and Pakistan. This shift has led to a recalibration of India’s diplomatic strategy, as New Delhi seeks to secure its strategic interests in the region amid changing political realities.

Despite political differences, economic ties between India and Bangladesh have remained robust. Bangladesh is one of India’s largest trading partners in South Asia, with significant cross-border trade and investment. India has been a key supplier of essential commodities to Bangladesh, including electricity, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals. However, the broader political climate has had an impact on economic cooperation, with concerns over trade policies, tariff barriers, and regulatory hurdles. To ensure stability in their economic relations, both countries must work toward reinforcing their trade agreements and fostering a conducive environment for bilateral commerce.

Security concerns also play a critical role in India-Bangladesh relations. Both nations share a long and porous border, making border security and counterterrorism cooperation crucial aspects of their engagement. India has expressed concerns about extremist elements operating from Bangladeshi territory, urging Dhaka to take stringent measures to curb terrorism and insurgency. Over the years, Bangladesh has cooperated with India in cracking down on insurgent groups and cross-border smuggling, but recent political changes have raised questions about the continuity of this security cooperation. Ensuring stability along the border remains a shared responsibility, requiring sustained efforts from both sides.

Experts have weighed in on the evolving dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. Dr. Sreeradha Datta, a senior fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation, noted that while historical ties provide a strong foundation for cooperation, mutual trust and respect are essential for sustaining the relationship. She emphasized the need for both countries to engage in constructive dialogue and address their differences through diplomatic channels. Dr. Datta also underscored the significance of economic collaboration, arguing that strengthening trade and investment links could serve as a stabilizing factor in the bilateral relationship.

Other analysts have pointed out that India must carefully navigate its diplomatic approach to Bangladesh, especially given the shifting political landscape. While maintaining strong ties with pro-India factions, India must also seek to build relationships with the broader political spectrum in Bangladesh to ensure continuity in its diplomatic and strategic interests. At the same time, Bangladesh’s leadership must recognize the long-term benefits of maintaining stable and cooperative relations with India, rather than allowing short-term political considerations to dictate foreign policy decisions.

The recent exchange of statements between Indian and Bangladeshi officials underscores the complexities inherent in their bilateral relationship. While historical ties and economic cooperation provide a strong foundation, political instability, security concerns, and diplomatic sensitivities continue to pose challenges. Moving forward, both nations must prioritize mutual respect, non-interference, and open dialogue to navigate these challenges and foster a stronger, more resilient partnership. By focusing on shared interests and addressing contentious issues through diplomacy, India and Bangladesh can work toward a more stable and cooperative future, ensuring that their relationship remains beneficial for both nations and the broader South Asian region.