Key facts
- India is actively seeking to reset relations with Bangladesh's new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
- A potential visit by Rahman to Delhi has been speculated, with an official email from the Indian president's office prematurely mentioning it.
- Bangladesh has requested India to extradite former leader Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India and faces charges.
- Hasina's recent virtual address from India, criticizing Rahman's government, has strained relations.
- Rahman's government is exploring defense cooperation with Pakistan and considering participation in a Saudi-led defense pact.
- India views Bangladesh's potential alignment with Pakistan and the Saudi pact as a shift in its foreign policy.
India is making concerted efforts to reset its relationship with Bangladesh's new government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following a landslide victory for his party in February elections. This new political era in Bangladesh followed the ousting of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, who has since remained in India.
Delhi is keen to host Rahman for talks, viewing his government as an opportunity to mend ties that deteriorated under the interim administration after Hasina's removal. However, Hasina's presence in India complicates matters, as Bangladesh has requested her extradition. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for her role in suppressing protests during the uprising, charges she denies.
Despite the extradition issue, India has extended formal invitations to Rahman and engaged in discussions through its High Commissioner. However, Rahman has not yet confirmed a visit, with his press secretary stating no decision has been made. A premature email from the Indian president's office hinting at Rahman's visit added to speculation but was quickly withdrawn.
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran noted that Delhi has made significant overtures, including supplying electricity and fuel and issuing medical visas, but the extradition of Hasina remains a key point. Bilateral trade, worth over $12 billion last year, and improved access to India's north-eastern states are significant aspects of the relationship.
During Hasina's tenure, India and Bangladesh collaborated closely on security, with Hasina's government cracking down on insurgent groups operating from Bangladeshi territory. However, India's close ties with Hasina became controversial in Bangladesh, with critics accusing Delhi of overlooking democracy and human rights concerns.
Recent events, such as Hasina's virtual address from Delhi criticizing Rahman's government, have further strained relations. Bangladesh expressed outrage, while India's foreign ministry stated it had no role in the event. This incident has raised questions in Bangladesh about India's sincerity in resetting the relationship.
Furthermore, Rahman's government is exploring a more independent foreign policy, including rebuilding ties with Pakistan and considering participation in a Saudi-led defense pact modeled on NATO. These developments are closely watched in Delhi, recalling past accusations of Pakistani intelligence agency involvement in supporting insurgents from India's northeast via Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's junior foreign minister, Humayun Kabir, expressed positive views on potentially joining the Saudi-led pact, though experts advise caution. India's relationship with Bangladesh is evolving, and Delhi can no longer assume the exceptionally close ties it had under Hasina. Rahman's government has reasons to demonstrate it is not overly dependent on India.
Opportunities for engagement remain, including Rahman's potential visit before the UN General Assembly in September and Bangladesh's invitation as a special guest to a BRICS summit hosted by India in mid-September.