India-Bangladesh Relations and Minority Concerns
Ever since Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in Dhaka, India has been vocal about its concerns regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Following her overthrow, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, which further intensified India's focus on this issue.
India's Diplomatic Efforts
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over the instability in Bangladesh during an all-party meeting.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Bangladeshi interim leader Muhammad Yunus to address minority safety urgently during the BIMSTEC meeting.
- Despite assurances, Dhaka's response has often been dismissive, portraying attacks on the Hindu minority as isolated incidents.
Recent Developments
- The kidnapping and killing of Bhabesh Chandra Roy highlighted the dire situation for minorities, forcing the interim government to acknowledge the severity.
- Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reported 23 Hindu deaths and 152 attacks on Hindu temples since August.
Implications for India-Bangladesh Relations
- India and Bangladesh have been allies since the Liberation War of 1971, but current dynamics may strain this relationship.
- Bangladesh’s foreign policy appears to be aligning with India’s regional rivals, as seen in Yunus' visit to China and diplomacy with Pakistan.
Strategic Recommendations
- Bangladesh should acknowledge regional realities and consider the benefits of a stable economic and defense partnership with India.
- India must continue to advocate for minority protection while engaging with Bangladesh on broader issues like border security, trade, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
- Given the uncertain domestic situation in Bangladesh, India must broaden its outreach to understand its changing dynamics and prevent future surprises.
