Bangladesh implements its foreign policy while maintaining a "neighborhood policy" that remains sensitive to the priorities and concerns of neighboring states, but recent decisions by the interim government suggest a shift in this approach.
Notably, the welcoming of Chinese companies to the Teesta project and prioritizing China's cooperation in modernizing Mongla Port are being given significant importance.
Experts believe this could further strain Bangladesh's relationship with its neighbor India and have far-reaching consequences.
A former diplomat commented: "Bangladesh has always been mindful of its neighbors' interests. The fundamental approach of implementing foreign policy while maintaining good relations with neighbors is longstanding."
Regarding Chinese participation in the Teesta project and China's assistance in modernizing Mongla Port, he said: "India has objections to both matters and has communicated its concerns to Bangladesh multiple times."
Bangladesh may consider cooperating with China despite India's concerns, but Delhi is unlikely to take this positively, he added.
Neighborhood policy
A country can choose its partners, but it cannot choose its neighbors. In diplomacy, it is said that geographical neighbors cannot be changed, making them extremely important to any nation.
Bangladesh’s neighborhood policy emphasizes the concerns and priorities of its neighbors while also striving to enhance regional cooperation.
Bangladesh views its neighbors differently from other nations and also considers the dynamics between major powers when engaging with them.
Consequently, fluctuations in India-China relations affect Bangladesh-India or Bangladesh-China relations.
On the other hand, India’s neighborhood policy largely relies on the Gujral Doctrine, which states that India will assist its neighbors even without receiving anything in return (reciprocity).
India considers its neighbors highly significant and appoints its most skilled diplomats as ambassadors to neighboring countries.
It is rare for an Indian foreign secretary to have never served in Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, or another neighboring country.
Recent changes
During Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to China, Dhaka and Beijing reached an agreement on two issues: welcoming a Chinese company to work on the Teesta project and seeking China's assistance in modernizing Mongla Port.
India has concerns and objections regarding both issues.
A former diplomat familiar with the matter said: "India prioritizes its security above all else, which is why it opposes Beijing's involvement in any projects near its borders."
Notably, India has not resolved the Teesta River water-sharing issue since 2011, leading to frustration in Bangladesh.
Under the previous Awami League government, Bangladesh sought China's assistance for the Teesta project. However, when India later expressed interest, Bangladesh withdrew from Chinese cooperation.
The diplomat continued: "The best option for implementing the Teesta project would be a joint initiative involving Bangladesh, India, and China. The next best option would be a Bangladesh-Japan-Netherlands partnership. The third option would be a Bangladesh-India joint implementation.
"If Bangladesh proceeds with the Teesta project through China despite India's opposition, it will have long-term implications for its neighborhood policy, and Bangladesh must be prepared for that."
Another diplomat noted: "For Mongla Port to be economically viable, goods from Nepal and Bhutan must be traded through it. If China modernizes Mongla Port, the critical question is whether India will provide transit facilities for Nepal and Bhutan’s goods."
A major diplomatic achievement
One of Bangladesh’s most significant diplomatic successes is its policy of not allowing its land to be used against any other country. Apart from isolated incidents, Bangladesh has consistently upheld this policy.
A former diplomat said: "India considers security a red line, and Bangladesh respects that. Any perception that this policy is being violated could have harmful consequences for Bangladesh."
He further noted that the perception of an anti-Bangladesh sentiment within India is also harmful to bilateral relations. "Negative propaganda against Bangladesh by various Indian groups, as well as efforts by some isolated factions in Bangladesh to portray India as an enemy state, send the wrong message."
Bangladesh’s most significant success has been ensuring that nothing it does threatens India’s security, and it must continue to remind Delhi of this, he said.
"At the same time, India must acknowledge that an unstable Bangladesh would not be beneficial for its neighbors."
The diplomat added: "Mutual goodwill among neighbors benefits all. As the larger neighbor, India has greater responsibilities. However, Bangladesh must also be careful not to interfere in India's areas of concern, for any reason."
