Ties between India and Bangladesh are undergoing a reset following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) significant win. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate Tarique Rahman on his impressive victory. PM Modi, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sent a letter to Rahman and attended the swearing-in ceremony. India has also reached out to the Jamaat-e-Islami, the second-largest party, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveying greetings to Shafiqur Rahman, the party’s leader, and reaffirming India’s enduring support for Bangladesh.
The Jamaat chief emphasized the deep civilizational bonds between India and Bangladesh, expressing optimism for stronger bilateral relations. Despite past tensions since Sheikh Hasina’s removal, officials note the importance of good relations with neighbors. India values Bangladesh for trade and security reasons, making strong ties crucial. Recognizing this, Bangladesh is keen on enhancing relations with New Delhi.
India views the BNP as more moderate and is optimistic about closer collaboration with Dhaka. With bilateral trade at approximately $10 billion annually, maintaining good relations is vital. India is particularly concerned about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, prioritizing their well-being. Efforts include seeking the release of detained individuals and ensuring the protection of Hindus, along with the restoration of damaged temples.
Security cooperation is a key focus, with both countries’ security agencies collaborating to prevent Bangladesh from becoming a base for Pakistan-backed terrorists. Recent reports indicate funding from the ISI to groups like the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, aiming to unite them with entities like Al-Qaeda in the Subcontinent and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. Vigilance is crucial in monitoring radicalization camps near the border.
Pakistan is closely monitoring India’s engagement post-BNP’s victory, potentially seeking to disrupt bilateral ties. The ISI could instigate unrest if Rahman deviates, posing challenges for internal security and the economy. Despite these hurdles, experts view the BNP’s win as a positive step for India-Bangladesh relations. However, navigating the Pakistan factor will require cautious steps to ensure comprehensive ties with Bangladesh are restored.
