Bangladesh’s Growing Ties with Pakistan Raise Concerns for India
New Delhi, February 20, 2025 – Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Advisor Md. Yunus, is shifting its foreign policy by strengthening ties with Pakistan. This change comes after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, leading to uncertainty in the country’s diplomatic stance. The growing closeness between Bangladesh and Pakistan has sparked security concerns in India.
Strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan Relations
Md. Yunus has made efforts to normalize relations with Pakistan, emphasizing regional cooperation. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Md. Touhid Hossain, defended the move, saying, “Pakistan is just another country for us. We are treating it at par with others. The previous visa restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles have been removed for smoother interactions.”
A key moment in this diplomatic shift was a meeting between Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the D8 summit in Cairo. The two leaders discussed trade and economic partnerships, further strengthening their alliance.
India’s Security Concerns
India has always seen Pakistan as a security threat due to its alleged support for terrorism. With Bangladesh now fostering closer ties with Islamabad, security analysts in India are worried about possible risks, especially regarding cross-border terrorism and illegal activities.
Despite these concerns, Hossain dismissed India’s fears, stating, “Bangladesh will not do anything that impacts India’s internal security.” However, given Pakistan’s history in the region, India remains skeptical about Bangladesh’s ability to prevent security threats.
India-Bangladesh Relations Under Pressure
India and Bangladesh have shared a strong diplomatic relationship for years, but recent developments suggest tensions may be rising. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Hossain at the Indian Ocean Conference, where they discussed maintaining “mutually beneficial relations.” However, disagreements over border security and minority rights in Bangladesh remain key issues.
Concerns Over Minority Rights
The condition of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is another area of concern for India. Reports suggest increasing cases of attacks on temples, forced conversions, and discrimination against minorities. However, the Bangladeshi government has downplayed these issues.
Hossain stated, “The minority issue is exaggerated. Hindus in Bangladesh have equal rights, and the government ensures their protection.” This contradicts reports from human rights groups highlighting religious persecution.
Rising Border Tensions
Violence and illegal activities along the India-Bangladesh border have increased in recent months. Bangladesh has accused India’s Border Security Force (BSF) of excessive force, while India insists that strict measures are necessary to prevent illegal migration and smuggling.
Hossain criticized India’s approach, saying, “Civilians should not be shot at the border. Arrest them, take them to court, but shooting is unacceptable.” However, India argues that stronger border control is essential to prevent security risks.
Future of India-Bangladesh Relations
The upcoming BIMSTEC summit may provide an opportunity for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Md. Yunus to discuss their countries’ relations. However, no official confirmation of a bilateral meeting has been made.
Bangladesh’s shift in foreign policy raises important questions about its long-term alliances. If Dhaka continues to distance itself from India and move closer to Pakistan, regional stability could be at risk. India will need to closely monitor these developments to safeguard its national security and diplomatic interests.
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