India and Bangladesh have a complex history of shared ties in history, culture, and geography, making their relationship one of South Asia’s most important. However, as Bangladesh experiences major political change with Mohammad Yunus’s interim government, new factors are influencing this relationship. Indian media and strategic discussions often focus on Bangladesh’s increasing interactions with Pakistan and China. Still, the deep-rooted historical connections and geographic reliance remain significant. With general elections set for February 2026, India needs to carefully engage with the Yunus government while staying alert to new security issues from jihadist groups in Bangladesh.
Historical Foundations and Enduring Links
The roots of India-Bangladesh relations are deeply intertwined with the history of both countries. India’s unwavering support for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 forged a strong emotional and political bond that has shaped decades of cooperation. Shared language, culture, and family ties, especially in border regions, continue to foster people-to-people connections. These ties, steeped in history, have historically promoted mutual trust and maintained peaceful coexistence along a 4,096 km border. However, the generational shift means that today’s younger Bangladeshis, particularly those in Gen Z, may not feel the same emotional connection to India, as local stories and newer geopolitical realities take precedence. Nonetheless, India’s proximity and shared interests strengthen its role as Bangladesh’s immediate neighbour and development partner.
Political Transition and Engagement under Mohammad Yunus
The political upheaval of 2024, sparked by student protests and resulting in the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, led to a fragile transitional period in Bangladesh under interim leader Mohammad Yunus. India’s initial diplomatic response was cautiously supportive, acknowledging the need for stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly congratulated Yunus on his swearing-in and kept channels of communication open, reaffirming India’s commitment to a democratic, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.
Bilaterally, critical dialogues continued despite uncertainties. The April 2025 meeting between Modi and Yunus at the 6th BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok was described as “constructive and fruitful,” covering key issues such as the extradition of the former prime minister, border security, water-sharing agreements on the Ganges and Teesta rivers, as well as minority protections. Yunus’s gesture of gifting Modi a picture honouring Indian science collaboration symbolises his intent to maintain friendly relations even amid internal upheaval.
India’s diplomatic engagement extends beyond bilateral meetings. Indian dignitaries participate in Bangladesh-hosted regional security forums, economic dialogues, and multilateral summits, reaffirming India’s role in South Asia’s connectivity and counter-terrorism efforts. This includes involvement in border management talks, infrastructure cooperation, and cultural exchange programs, though these have faced setbacks due to the political climate.
Challenges: Geopolitical Headwinds and Security Concerns
Bangladesh’s growing tilt towards China and Pakistan is a major concern for Indian strategic planners. The first China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral summit in Kunming (June 2025) highlighted Dhaka’s shift in external alignments, especially in economic and defence cooperation. Yunus’s controversial remarks referring to India’s northeast as “landlocked” and suggesting Chinese connectivity through Bangladesh have been seen by India as provocations, further straining diplomatic relations.
Concurrently, the rise of jihadist and Islamist radicalism in Bangladesh poses a volatile security threat. The weakening of Hasina’s secular government has created space for extremist elements to flourish, increasing anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiments. These elements threaten Bangladesh’s internal stability and create cross-border security challenges. While India asserts that the Dhaka government is responsible for containing and eliminating jihadist groups within Bangladesh, New Delhi continues to focus on intelligence sharing and collaborative counter-terrorism efforts.
India’s trade restrictions on Bangladeshi garments and specific goods, along with limits on Bangladesh’s access to Indian northeastern markets, reflect tensions in commercial ties related to political developments. However, these measures are carefully calibrated to prevent lasting damage to bilateral relations and to support the return of democratic governance in Bangladesh.
Areas of Cooperation and Dialogue
Despite the strains, several institutional and diplomatic dialogues remain active: –
– Security and Counter-Terrorism Forums. India participates in regional platforms alongside Bangladesh to tackle terrorism, drug trafficking, and border crime. These dialogues are vital in reducing jihadist threats and enhancing cross-border policing.
– Economic Connectivity Initiatives. Discussions about infrastructure projects, including the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and port access arrangements, continue to present opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and connectivity, which are essential for regional development integration.
– Cultural and Academic Exchanges. People-to-people ties remain a pillar of diplomacy, with India supporting academic exchanges, joint cultural commemorations, and capacity-building initiatives despite a decline in some traditional exchanges.
– Water Resource Management. Negotiations over shared water bodies, such as the Ganges and Teesta Rivers, continue to be crucial issues due to their significance for agriculture and livelihoods in both countries.
Strategic Recommendations for India
India’s policy towards Bangladesh’s interim government should be based on a combination of pragmatism, patience, and strategic foresight.
Sustain Diplomatic Engagement. India should not isolate Bangladesh but keep strong diplomatic ties with the Yunus government until the February 2026 elections. Constructive engagement helps India influence regional stability and democracy restoration.
India, while vigilantly monitoring and addressing jihadist threats and border security concerns, should uphold Bangladesh’s sovereignty and refrain from incendiary rhetoric that could escalate bilateral tensions. This balance of assertiveness and sensitivity is crucial in maintaining a respectful and stable relationship.
Encourage the Democratic Process. India should openly advocate for free and transparent elections and support international observers to enhance legitimacy and promote political stability and normalisation.
Expand Multilateral Cooperation. Leveraging platforms like BIMSTEC, SAARC, and regional security groupings can help India pool resources with Bangladesh and other neighbours to combat extremism and promote economic development.
Invest in People-to-People Connections. To counter generational distancing, India should strengthen educational programs and cultural exchanges that focus on Bangladesh’s youth to bridge the generational gaps.
Cautious Economic Engagement. India should gradually ease trade restrictions in exchange for tangible moves by Bangladesh to curb destabilising alliances and radical elements. Economic interdependence remains crucial to achieving a durable peace.
Conclusion
India-Bangladesh relations are being tested by a combination of political transitions, generational shifts, and changing geopolitical alignments. Although the Yunus-led interim government indicates uncertain times, India’s longstanding historical connections and nearby neighbourhood require it to pursue steady, nuanced diplomacy. The presence of jihadist groups challenges regional security, but ultimately, Bangladesh is responsible for maintaining internal order. India’s balanced approach—engaging diplomatically while protecting its strategic interests—will be essential in fostering a stable, peaceful, and mutually beneficial relationship as Bangladesh moves toward legitimate governance after the February 2026 elections.
India’s future in Bangladesh lies in reaffirming trust, promoting democratic stability, and facilitating regional connectivity, ensuring it remains an indispensable partner rather than a sidelined neighbour in South Asia’s evolving landscape. The path ahead demands tact, resilience, and renewed commitment to a partnership founded on history but adapted for contemporary realities.
About the author
Lt Col Manoj K Channan (Retd) served in the Indian Army, Armoured Corps, 65 Armoured Regiment, 27 August 83- 07 April 2007. Operational experience in the Indian Army includes Sri Lanka – OP PAWAN, Nagaland and Manipur – OP HIFAZAT, and Bhalra - Bhaderwah, District Doda Jammu and Kashmir, including setting up of a counter-insurgency school – OP RAKSHAK. He regularly contributes to Defence and Security issues in the Financial Express online, Defence and Strategy, Fauji India Magazine and Salute Magazine.
*Views are personal.