Bangladesh is changing its foreign relations now

Source: The post Bangladesh is changing its foreign relations now has been created, based on the article “Interpreting the recent Bangladesh-Pakistan thaw” published in “The Hindu” on 17th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses Bangladesh’s changing foreign relations after Sheikh Hasina’s removal. The new government is engaging more with Pakistan while India watches closely. Bangladesh depends on India economically, but India must address security concerns and maintain strong ties with Dhaka.

For detailed information on India-Bangladesh Relations read this article here

Why are Bangladesh-Pakistan relations changing?

1. Political Shift: After Sheikh Hasina’s removal in August 2024, Bangladesh’s new leadership under Muhammad Yunus is engaging more with Pakistan.
2. High-Level Engagement: Yunus has met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif multiple times but has not met India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
3. Military Cooperation: A Pakistani military delegation visited Rangpur, near India’s Siliguri Corridor. Bangladesh’s Army second-in-command visited Pakistan’s military chiefs.
4. Economic and Strategic Moves: Bangladesh resumed direct flights to Islamabad and participated in Pakistan’s Aman 2025 naval exercises, sending a warship for the first time in a decade.

What challenges does Bangladesh face in changing its foreign policy?

1. Public Opinion on 1971 War: Many Bangladeshis still see separation from Pakistan as central to their identity. Pakistan does not acknowledge the war as a separatist movement.
2. Limited Economic Gains: Trade with Pakistan is difficult as India separates both countries. India exported $11.25 billion to Bangladesh in 2023.
3. Security Concerns: Pakistan’s growing ties with Bangladesh may unsettle India. Bangladesh hosted a Pakistani military delegation near India’s Siliguri Corridor.
4. Geopolitical Risks: Balancing relations with India, China, and Pakistan is challenging. The Maldives and Nepal are also aligning more with China, increasing regional uncertainty.

What is India’s response to these changes?

1. Monitoring Bangladesh-Pakistan ties: India is observing Bangladesh’s engagement with Pakistan, including military cooperation, resumed flights, and naval drills.
2. Economic dependence: India remains Bangladesh’s top trading partner, exporting $11.25 billion to Bangladesh in 2023, while Bangladesh exported $2 billion to India.
3. Security concerns: India must set clear boundaries on terrorism, weapons trade, joint military drills, and maritime security.
4. Strategic balancing: India is engaging with the Taliban, as seen in Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister in January 2025.
5. Soft diplomacy: India must strengthen people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and development projects to maintain influence.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors influencing Bangladesh’s shifting foreign policy towards Pakistan and its implications for India.