India and Bangladesh: Resetting the Path Toward Mutual Respect and Shared Security
The landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, marks a significant turning point for the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh. For both nations to thrive as neighbours and true friends, the relationship must be recalibrated to focus on mutual respect, shared security, and sovereign equality.
1. Sovereignty and Shared Security
The security of India and Bangladesh is inextricably linked due to their shared 4,367-kilometer border, which constitutes 94% of Bangladesh’s international land boundary.
• Strategic Importance: Bangladesh serves as a vital corridor for India, providing cheap and accessible transit to its sensitive Northeast states. This geographical reality makes Bangladesh essential for India’s internal security and territorial integrity.
• Mutual Security Risks: BNP leadership has emphasised that security risks facing India are often shared by Bangladesh. Zeba Amina Khan of the BNP noted that the two countries must look out for one another to ensure regional harmony.
• Commitment Against Extremism: India has expressed readiness to work with the new government, particularly as the BNP has distanced itself from radical groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and reaffirmed its commitment to fighting extremism.
2. Building a Balanced Relationship
A “balanced” relationship requires moving away from past perceptions of “privilege” toward a model based on mutual understanding and equitable agreements.
• Resetting Bilateral Ties: Tarique Rahman has argued that several agreements signed during the Awami League’s tenure were “unbalanced”. He advocates for a “reset” of the relationship to ensure that the interests of the Bangladeshi people are prioritised alongside bilateral cooperation.
• Equitable Resource Sharing: Contentious issues like the Teesta River water-sharing dispute remain high on the agenda. Resolving these through international standards, such as the UN Water Convention, is seen by the BNP as a path to justice for its citizens.
• Respecting Domestic Sentiment: Experts suggest that India’s past policy was heavily dependent on a single political figure (Sheikh Hasina), which created a disconnect with the Bangladeshi youth. Moving forward, India aims to engage with the will of the Bangladeshi people to foster a more stable and inclusive friendship.
3. Navigating Geopolitical Challenges
For India and Bangladesh to remain true friends, they must navigate the growing influence of external actors like China and Pakistan without compromising their bilateral bond.
• The China Factor: China remains a major partner for Bangladesh in defence and infrastructure, including projects at Mongla Port. However, the BNP has signalled that its foreign policy will not be “pro-China” or “anti-India,” but rather focused on its own national interests.
• Pakistan and Regional Stability: The restoration of direct trade and military dialogue between Bangladesh and Pakistan is a sensitive development for India. A balanced relationship requires transparent communication to ensure these ties do not undermine regional safety.
4. The Path to “True Friendship”
A lasting friendship depends on resolving “small issues” at the border and addressing the sensitive matter of Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India. While Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty, the political nature of the requests remains a point of diplomatic negotiation.
Ultimately, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, India remains committed to a “democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh”. By treating each other as sovereign equals rather than “geopolitical actors,” both nations can transform their proximity into a powerful partnership for shared growth.
Source:
Article from BBC News Hindi, Feb 2026 बांग्लादेश में बीएनपी की जीत को विदेशी मीडिया भारत के लिए कैसे देख रहा है? – BBC News हिंदी