The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a landslide victory in the recent elections. This has created a new reality in the diplomatic equation of South Asia. Although New Delhi has sent positive signals by sending a congratulatory message, the relationship between the two countries is still suffering from a lack of trust. According to analysts, in this context, India should take the initiative to negotiate with Bangladesh.
Tensions and reality of relations
Dhaka-New Delhi relations have become increasingly complicated since the political unrest of 2024. Old resentments on various issues - border killings, water sharing, trade barriers and political statements - have resurfaced. Visa services are limited, land connectivity has decreased, and direct flights are also fewer than before.
Added to this are tense statements from across the border. Provocative comments about Bangladesh in some political circles and television debates in India have created a perception in Dhaka that New Delhi is not giving enough importance to Bangladesh as an equal sovereign state.
However, reality says that the two countries are indispensable to each other. The 4,096-kilometer-long border, security cooperation, cultural ties— these cannot be separated. Bangladesh is India's largest trading partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladesh's largest export market in Asia.
In this reality, a permanent distance in relations is not sustainable. Rather, a strategic restructuring is needed.
Who will take the first step?
Diplomatic analysts are of the opinion that India, as a big neighbor, should come forward.
Shriradha Dutta, a professor of international affairs at India's OP Jindal Global University, said that India, as a big neighbor, should take the initiative. India needs to come forward and start a dialogue. Bangladesh has completed a strong election; now let it get involved and see where it can cooperate. I am hopeful that BNP has learned from the past.
On the other hand, Avinash Paliwal, a professor of politics and international relations at SOAS University in London, said that India's past relations with BNP were complicated and there was more mistrust than understanding. But in the current geopolitical reality, Tarique Rahman has not let the past become an obstacle to the future—a sign of political maturity. At the same time, Delhi is also interested in pragmatic engagement, which is a positive sign.
According to him, the future ‘new normal’ will depend on how much the new leadership in Dhaka can control the anti-India sentiment and how much New Delhi itself can reduce the inflammatory message. According to Paliwal, if both sides fail consciously or unconsciously, the situation will remain at the level of ‘controlled competition’.
Source: BBC
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
