The abrupt departure of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, and her deportation to India that followed have presented serious diplomatic difficulties for New Delhi. Even though Hasina had only intended to be in India for a brief visit, she stayed longer. This follows her abortive attempts to apply for refuge in the US, the UK, and the UAE. Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India has complicated Delhi’s authority and placed great strain on Bangladesh’s interim administration.
India sees Bangladesh as a critical strategic partner for safeguarding its northeastern border regions. Sheikh Hasina’s administration has improved bilateral relations significantly since taking office in 2009. The effective suppression of ethnic terrorist groups has been one of the major successes, and it has helped create a more stable and safe atmosphere. Furthermore, the administration has effectively settled several long-standing border issues, encouraging mutual understanding and cooperation between surrounding nations. India has demonstrated solid economic ties by lending more than $7 billion to finance infrastructure projects. The recent events have been highly significant for both countries, making Delhi’s already precarious situation much more dire.
Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India has increased Bangladesh’s anti-Indian sentiment. Many individuals have voiced their disapproval of Delhi’s steadfast support for her leadership, notwithstanding contentious election results. Analysts have called India’s purported inability to interact with Bangladesh’s opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a strategic blunder. There might be a lot of consequences from this error. Delhi has the challenge of restoring confidence with a new government with a history of strained ties with India as the BNP is ready to seize power. China’s expanding influence in the area is causing great alarm in India. Recent diplomatic initiatives by Beijing in nearby nations highlight India’s need to reassess its regional policy. To return their focus to mending diplomatic ties with Bangladesh and maintaining India’s standing in the region, Delhi’s diplomats anxiously anticipate Sheikh Hasina’s decision.
