Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated gradually since the interim government assumed power following a major revolt, with tensions rising over a range of political, diplomatic, and economic issues.
These tensions have been compounded by India’s alleged political shelter for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, a series of developments—including border push-in incidents, ongoing trade complications, the cancellation of transshipment facilities, and India’s strong position on minority persecution in Bangladesh—have further strained the relationship between Dhaka and Delhi.
Amid these growing tensions, Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic engagement with China and Pakistan appears to be deepening. Dhaka has shown increased interest in strengthening ties with Beijing and Islamabad through trade, investment, healthcare cooperation, and high-level visits. This shift has raised questions over whether Bangladesh is intentionally distancing itself from India in favor of closer relations with its regional rivals.
Tension with India
India’s cancellation of Bangladesh's transshipment facilities has further escalated tensions between the two neighbours. Alongside this, ongoing disputes over minority rights remain a persistent source of strain in bilateral relations.
At the recent BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, Bangladesh initially proposed a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Although the meeting was uncertain at first, it eventually took place. However, just days after the meeting, India revoked the transshipment facility it had long provided to Bangladesh.
During the bilateral meeting, the Chief Adviser raised the issue of repatriating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to the Chief Adviser’s press wing, Modi’s response was not negative. Following the discussion, Bangladesh formally sent a diplomatic note to Delhi requesting her repatriation. However, no tangible response or action has since been observed from the Indian side.
The transshipment facility had allowed Bangladesh to export goods using Indian ports—a privilege extended by India for several years. While initial concerns suggested this cancellation might pose major challenges for Bangladesh, the interim government later stated they do not foresee significant disruptions.
Meanwhile, trade tensions have grown. In April, Bangladesh stopped importing yarn through land ports from India. In response, India imposed a ban in mid-May on at least seven categories of Bangladeshi goods entering through land ports. The banned items include ready-made garments, fruits, processed foods, soft drinks, yarn, plastic and PVC products, and wooden furniture.
In a separate incident, members of a group called Hindu Sangharsh Samiti stormed the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, Tripura, demanding the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader. The group vandalized parts of the compound. India’s Ministry of External Affairs later described the incident as “regrettable.”
Tensions further escalated when India issued a statement expressing deep concern over the abduction and brutal killing of Hindu minority leader Bhavesh Chandra Roy in Bangladesh. India termed the incident part of a continued pattern of minority persecution under the interim government—a claim Dhaka has firmly rejected.
Despite these growing tensions, Bangladesh condemned a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, and Chief Adviser Professor Yunus sent a message of solidarity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Growing Bangladesh-China Relations
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently made his first bilateral visit to China, delivering a strong message on deepening cooperation. He called for greater Chinese investment and trade and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s firm support for the One-China policy and opposition to Taiwan’s independence.
Beyond trade, collaboration is expanding in healthcare and connectivity. With more Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in China over India, four specialized hospitals have been set up in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, and China is also funding a hospital in Bangladesh.
Efforts are ongoing to launch direct flights between Chattogram and Kunming, expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism once operational.
A recent Chinese Embassy survey showed 60% of Bangladeshis have a positive view of China, and 90% are satisfied with current relations. Many are also interested in visiting China for education, trade, and cultural exchange.
In Dhaka, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao signed two MoUs. Bangladesh sought support in drone technology, fishing vessels, and technical assistance, while China expressed interest in smart agriculture, digital tech, and investment. The adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s skilled workforce and demographic strength to attract further Chinese investment.
Bangladesh-Pakistan Relations Improving
Since the formation of the interim government, Bangladesh’s ties with Pakistan—alongside its growing engagement with China—have gained notable momentum. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has met twice with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signaling renewed diplomatic warmth.
Their first meeting occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, followed by another at the D-8 Summit in Egypt, where they agreed to revive and strengthen bilateral relations.
This renewed engagement led to key developments. Late last year, the two countries launched their first regular cargo shipping route, and after a seven-year break, direct air connectivity resumed. In January, a high-level Pakistani business delegation visited Dhaka, resulting in plans to form a joint council to boost economic cooperation.
At the D-8 Summit, Shehbaz Sharif showed strong interest in deepening ties, and Professor Yunus proposed reviving SAARC and hosting its next summit in Dhaka.
Diplomatic activity continued with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch visiting Dhaka for talks with her counterpart M Jasim Uddin. A scheduled visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on April 27 was postponed due to a terrorist attack in Kashmir and is expected to be rescheduled once regional tensions ease.
The expanding relationship also includes military, educational, and cultural cooperation. In January, senior Bangladeshi military officials visited Pakistan to discuss joint exercises and arms procurement, reflecting broader collaboration beyond economics and diplomacy.
Experts Opinion
When asked whether Bangladesh is now leaning towards China and Pakistan while avoiding India, former Bangladeshi Ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmad told Banglanews, “Every country now holds a distinct position. Unlike the 1950s or 60s, no country today can afford to operate within exclusive blocs.”
He said, “India, China, and Pakistan all have different roles. Based on this, we need to maintain separate and balanced relations with all three. There’s no scope to exclude one in favour of another.”
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Mayumi Murayama, Executive Vice-President of the Japan External Trade Organization’s Institute of Developing Economies, said India and Bangladesh have operated for over a decade as if Pakistan did not exist in South Asia. She believes Yunus’s plan to revive SAARC is a step toward bringing Pakistan back into the South Asian framework and reorganizing the geopolitical landscape in the post-Hasina era.
Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh wants balanced relations with both India and China. At the same time, like with other South Asian neighbours, Bangladesh wants a normal relationship with Pakistan as well. “We don’t want to view them negatively,” he said.
MSK/
