India-Bangladesh Relations

Modi-Yunus Meeting: PM Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok, the first official interaction since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. This signals a potential shift in India’s engagement strategy.

Defense Cooperation: Regular joint military exercises (Sampriti, Bongosagar) and coordinated patrols continue.

Economic Partnership: Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia; bilateral trade reached USD 12.9 billion in FY 2023-24. Key Indian exports include cotton and petroleum products.

Energy and Connectivity: The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline enhances energy ties. Cross-border projects like the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and Maitri Setu boost connectivity.

Multilateral Collaboration: Active cooperation in regional forums like SAARC and BIMSTEC.

Diplomatic Challenges: India’s past alignment with Sheikh Hasina created distance with other Bangladeshi political actors. India’s hosting of Hasina in exile caused tensions.

Growing Chinese Influence: Bangladesh’s participation in BRI and significant Chinese investment pose a geopolitical challenge for India.

Border Issues: Illegal immigration, Rohingya refugee crisis, cross-border terrorism, and trafficking remain persistent concerns.

Anti-India Sentiment: Public mistrust driven by perceived Indian interference is rising.

Way Forward:

• Engage inclusively with all political groups.
• Leverage multilateral initiatives like IPOI.
• Improve border management through smart fencing.
• Enhance people-to-people connectivity through cultural exchanges and scholarships.