Thu Apr 10 09:34:58 UTC 2025: ## India-Bangladesh Relations Sour After Hasina’s Ouster: Tensions Rise at BIMSTEC Summit
**Bangkok, Thailand** – Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, culminating in a contentious meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim advisor, Muhammad Yunus, at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.
The meeting, while seemingly a gesture of diplomatic engagement, has been met with controversy. Post-meeting briefings from the Bangladeshi side focused on contentious issues, highlighting Bangladeshi demands and dismissing India’s concerns, suggesting a deliberate attempt to portray Bangladesh as assertive towards its neighbour.
Analysts attribute the deteriorating relationship to the influence of Islamist groups, particularly the Jamaat-e-Islami, which are alleged to be behind attacks on the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the push for an Islamic state, increased hostility toward India, and violence against religious minorities. Concerns have been raised about the role of Yunus himself, described by some as a puppet of these Islamist forces, given his close ties to Islamist advisors.
India, despite the provocations, has maintained communication channels, aiming to preserve the significant gains in bilateral ties achieved under Hasina’s rule. While expressing concern over attacks on the Hindu minority, India has largely restrained its public response, opting for a long-term approach rather than immediate pressure. This has included continued food and energy supplies to Bangladesh.
However, Bangladesh’s actions, including overtures to Pakistan, military cooperation, and Yunus’s controversial statements downplaying the situation and even inviting China to use Bangladesh as an economic conduit to India’s Northeast, have strained relations further. Yunus’s interview with *Der Spiegel* contradicted the Bangladesh Army Chief’s assessment of a deteriorating law and order situation, adding fuel to the fire.
The Bangladeshi side, during the Modi-Yunus meeting, reiterated demands including Hasina’s extradition and the resolution of long-standing water-sharing agreements. India, in turn, reiterated its concerns about minority safety and the need for a constructive relationship. A subsequent social media post by Yunus’s press secretary further exacerbated the situation, misrepresenting the meeting’s outcome.
In a significant move, India has rescinded a 2020 agreement allowing Bangladesh to trans-ship cargo through Indian ports, signaling a potential escalation of the situation. Despite this, India maintains its commitment to BIMSTEC cooperation, recognizing the importance of regional stability. The situation remains volatile, with the future of India-Bangladesh relations uncertain.
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