Tensions between India and Bangladesh have come to the forefront following the absence of Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, at the BRICS summit in New Delhi earlier this month. The Indian government announced that Hasina had received two invitations: one to attend a BRICS side session as the head of the regional group of Bay of Bengal countries called BIMSTEC, and another for a bilateral visit to India.
Bangladesh's Perspective on the Invitations
In Dhaka, these invitations were seen as a disrespect, as Hasina was not formally invited to the main summit as Prime Minister but only as the head of BIMSTEC. This situation reflects a shift in the relations between the two countries, as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had been invited to previous BRICS summits as Prime Minister, even though Bangladesh is not a member of this group.
This incident is seen as the latest example of the strained relations between these two South Asian neighbors, which have deteriorated since Hasina's ousting in 2024 following widespread protests and deadly crackdowns. Hasina fled to India and was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity last year. Bangladesh has asked India to return Hasina so she can face justice.
Impact of Relations on Both Countries
Since Hasina's ousting, bilateral relations have entered their worst phase. Visa services have decreased, and disputes over Hasina's presence in India and border management have intensified. However, since the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the February elections, this trend has somewhat reversed. India resumed tourist visas in June and appointed Dinesh Trivedi as its new High Commissioner.
Although a bilateral summit is being discussed for November, Hasina's exile in India remains a significant obstacle to normalizing relations. Some analysts say that Bangladesh missed an opportunity to engage with India and other global leaders by not attending the BRICS summit.
Analysts point out that the relations between the two countries require a revival of trust and management of sensitive issues such as Hasina's presence in India. They believe India should strive to create a conducive environment for Rahman's visit to India and prevent provocative statements from Hasina.
Meanwhile, China is emerging as Bangladesh's largest trading partner and main arms supplier. Bangladeshi officials are trying to diversify their relations while avoiding heavy pressures from India. According to some experts, if India fails to improve its relations, Bangladesh may lean towards China and other neighboring countries.
