After the huge victory of BNP in Bangladesh and the possibility of Tariq Rahman becoming the Prime Minister, India is now planning to strengthen the relations between the two countries. India is considering this election as an opportunity for a ‘diplomatic reset’. The Central Government believes that stability and trust can last for a long time only with a democratically elected government. India has always worked with elected governments and now the BNP victory is being seen as a victory for the ‘spirit of 1971 and liberal values’.
India’s positive stance on Tariq Rehman
Indian officials said they were ‘cautiously optimistic’ for Tariq Rehman. He believes that Tariq can adopt a more practical approach keeping in mind the economic realities and regional stability. Relations had deteriorated in the last few months during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. India says that government created ‘anarchy and instability’, delayed the restoration of democracy, blames India and the Indian media. But now India wants to engage with the elected government in a constructive manner.
What is India’s main strategy?
There are 4 main main strategies of India. These:
- Supporting democracy and rebuilding trust.
- To remain vigilant on security and minority rights.
- Increasing cooperation on economic and regional issues by considering Tariq Rehman as a practical leader.
- A senior Indian representative, Tariq Rehman, is likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony, which will be a sign of improving relations. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had gone to Dhaka to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia’s death and met Tariq.
India has also started working on this strategy. After BNP’s victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately called Tariq Rehman and congratulated him. PM Modi wrote on X that both the countries have deep historical and cultural relations. He said, ‘I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multi-dimensional relations and advance our shared development goals. India will continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.
How will the spoiled relations of Mohammad Yunus be improved?
The interim government gave more space to Jamaat-e-Islami and Islamic fundamentalist groups, which is a matter of concern for India. These groups are pro-Pakistan and have been involved in attacks on minorities (especially Hindus). India repeatedly expressed concern over the security of Hindu minorities, but the interim government did not take appropriate steps. Now it is expected that Tariq Rehman’s government will keep an eye on border security, infiltration and regional stability. Relations with India were sometimes strained during BNP’s previous tenures, but now Tariq may be more cooperative due to economic needs. India’s focus is now on practical cooperation. India now wants cooperation in trade, security, water sharing (like Teesta) and anti-terrorism.
