Express view on Foreign Secretary’s Bangladesh visit: Reaching out to Dhaka

 Over the years, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has evolved into one of the most robust and successful partnerships in South Asia. This week’s visit by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka marks a significant step in reaffirming these ties amidst changing political dynamics in Bangladesh. According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit emphasized that "people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations," underscoring that India’s developmental cooperation and engagements with Bangladesh are designed to benefit its citizens. This approach highlights a much-needed commitment to fostering mutual prosperity and collaboration.

The visit comes at a critical juncture, as Bangladesh undergoes a political transition following the departure of Sheikh Hasina, whose administration has long been perceived as closely aligned with India. During his talks with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Misri reportedly raised concerns over minority rights. However, the broader focus of the visit appeared to be on “politics-proofing” bilateral relations, aiming to ensure that the partnership remains resilient regardless of changes in Dhaka’s leadership. Achieving this goal will require patience, strategic diplomacy, and a pragmatic approach grounded in realpolitik.

The Decade of Collaboration

Over the past decade, India and Bangladesh have achieved remarkable progress in areas that once seemed insurmountable. Disputes over land and maritime boundaries have been amicably resolved, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and infrastructure development. Public and private investments have flourished, creating opportunities for economic integration. These successes have cemented the relationship as a model of regional cooperation.

However, the perception that India was overly reliant on Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has cast a shadow over this progress. In the aftermath of her departure, anti-India forces in Bangladesh have sought to exploit this sentiment, creating challenges for bilateral ties. Misri’s visit signals an effort to reset the narrative by emphasizing that the relationship is rooted in the shared interests of the people of both nations, rather than political affiliations or ideologies.

Addressing Communal Tensions

Recent attacks on minorities and incidents targeting Indian diplomatic institutions, such as the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, have raised concerns in Delhi. These acts of violence warrant unequivocal condemnation. However, framing such incidents purely through a communal or religious lens risks deepening divisions and complicating efforts to foster harmony. Bangladesh’s civil society has demonstrated resilience in countering hardline elements, and this strength should be recognized and supported.

The conflation of identity with national loyalty is a sensitive issue that requires careful handling. For Delhi, the priority must be to depoliticize the bilateral relationship and ensure that it remains insulated from identity-based politics on both sides of the border. This is essential to building trust and restoring goodwill among the people of both nations.

The Path Forward

India’s objectives in its engagement with Bangladesh should be twofold. First, it must work to shield the relationship from the influence of identity politics. This involves fostering a narrative that emphasizes shared values, economic benefits, and regional stability. Second, India must focus on reviving goodwill by prioritizing initiatives that are mutually beneficial and have a positive impact on the region as a whole. Projects under frameworks like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) offer promising avenues for collaboration.

Misri’s visit represents both a fresh beginning and a continuation of efforts to strengthen ties. As Bangladesh prepares for elections, India must navigate the evolving political landscape with tact and neutrality. While it is important to support democratic processes, New Delhi should also be prepared to engage constructively with whichever government comes to power.

Balancing Continuity and Change

One of the key challenges for India will be to maintain a balanced approach in its relations with Bangladesh, irrespective of the political dispensation in Dhaka. While Sheikh Hasina has been a steadfast ally, it is imperative for Delhi to signal that the bilateral relationship transcends individual leaders or parties. This requires a shift from personality-driven diplomacy to a more institutionalized framework of cooperation.

At the same time, India must remain sensitive to Hasina’s grievances and political realities. While she may find refuge in India should her political situation demand it, the future of India-Bangladesh relations cannot be solely defined by her legacy or the priorities of the Awami League. New Delhi’s engagement with Dhaka must be forward-looking, rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The India-Bangladesh partnership has broader implications for regional stability and prosperity. Enhanced connectivity projects, such as road and rail links, can transform the Bay of Bengal region into a hub of economic activity. Trade and energy cooperation, coupled with efforts to address shared challenges like climate change and river management, can serve as cornerstones of this partnership.

Furthermore, initiatives like BIMSTEC offer opportunities to expand collaboration beyond bilateral ties, fostering integration with other neighboring countries. By positioning itself as a reliable partner, India can play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Bangladesh underscores the importance of maintaining strong and harmonious ties between the two countries. While challenges remain, the visit offers an opportunity to reset the relationship and build a foundation for sustained collaboration. By focusing on the interests of the people, insulating the relationship from identity politics, and fostering regional cooperation, India and Bangladesh can continue to set an example of successful bilateral engagement in South Asia.

As both nations move forward, their partnership must remain anchored in the principles of trust, mutual benefit, and shared progress. The road ahead will require careful navigation, but with the right approach, the India-Bangladesh relationship can emerge stronger than ever.