Since the fall of the Awami League government following the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in 2024, Bangladesh-India relations have remained strained despite several attempts to reset ties.
Efforts during the interim government’s tenure failed to break the deadlock. Even before the formation of the new government after the February 2026 election, India had begun efforts to reset relations.
Diplomatic analysts say India must recognize Bangladesh’s new political reality and chart a new course for bilateral ties. Both countries need to base their relationship on mutual interests, they say.
Multiple attempts to reset ties
Following the change of power on August 5, 2024, India welcomed the interim government and expressed its desire to move relations forward.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have repeatedly said India’s relationship is with the people of Bangladesh, rather than any particular political party.
Despite tensions, diplomatic channels remained open. Foreign secretary-level meetings were held in late 2024 and 2025, while regular communication continued through the two countries’ high commissioners. Modi also met then-Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of a BIMSTEC summit.
Yet the stalemate persisted, with India repeatedly raising concerns over the minority situation in Bangladesh.
Efforts to normalize ties gained fresh momentum after BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh.
Following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Jaishankar travelled to Bangladesh to pay his last respects. India also sent a government representative to Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony.
On both occasions, Modi sent personal letters to Tarique Rahman, inviting him to visit India with his family.
After the new government took office, India appointed former minister Dinesh Trivedi as its high commissioner in Dhaka. Soon after taking charge, he announced plans to resume tourist visa services, suspended since August 3, 2024.
Despite diplomatic tensions, bilateral trade has continued.
Key points of contention
Diplomatic analysts identify several areas of friction, with the Sheikh Hasina issue at the centre.
Other concerns include push-ins along the border, border killings, smuggling and security issues.
Bangladesh has repeatedly sought the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted of crimes against humanity. India has yet to respond formally, although its foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the request was being examined.
There has also been no significant progress on the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which expires in December.
Although suspects in the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have been arrested, there has been no progress on their repatriation to Bangladesh.
According to diplomatic analysts, New Delhi believes quick solutions are unlikely on major political issues such as Sheikh Hasina and the Teesta dispute. India is therefore seeking to rebuild confidence through smaller measures, including easing visa restrictions and maintaining trade and electricity supplies.
But expectations in Bangladesh are higher, particularly regarding border killings and Hasina’s extradition. Analysts say such incremental steps alone cannot fully normalize relations.
Dinesh Trivedi heads to Delhi
India’s high commissioner took charge on June 25.
On August 10, Trivedi met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a day after meeting Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. He subsequently met the home minister.
Security, border issues and Hasina’s extradition were among the issues discussed.
Khalilur Rahman said the prime minister requested that the extradition process be expedited.
Trivedi left for Delhi that afternoon. Diplomatic sources said he travelled to brief Modi on developments in Bangladesh and update him on the invitation extended to Tarique Rahman.
Dhaka seeks a conducive environment
Dhaka wants a conducive environment to improve bilateral relations.
Bangladesh has particularly objected to Sheikh Hasina appearing at a press conference in Delhi on August 5.
A foreign ministry official said Hasina had created confusion over Bangladesh’s internal security situation and that India had been informed of Dhaka’s concerns.
Speaking about his meeting with Tarique Rahman, Khalilur Rahman said the two sides emphasized creating favourable conditions for improving bilateral relations.
“The focus was on creating the favourable environment necessary to take relations between the two countries forward,” he said.
He said the meeting also discussed Hasina’s extradition and the return of those accused in the Hadi murder case.
“We asked to expedite the extradition process. We hope India will respond positively,” he said.
On the Hadi case, the foreign minister said Bangladesh had provided all documents requested by Indian authorities and asked for the accused to be handed over quickly.
Regarding Hasina’s August 5 press conference, he said Bangladesh had clearly conveyed its position and India had taken it seriously.
“I hope such incidents will not be repeated,” he said.
India wants the two PMs at the table
High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi has repeatedly said there is no issue between Bangladesh and India that cannot be resolved through dialogue.
“If the two leaders sit together, many problems will be resolved,” he has said.
Khalilur Rahman said India had extended two invitations to Tarique Rahman—one for a bilateral visit and another to attend the BRICS summit as chair of BIMSTEC.
Modi has invited Tarique Rahman for a bilateral visit, although no date was specified.
“We have not yet made any decision regarding the visit to India,” Khalilur Rahman said.
A former diplomat said Bangladesh now has a new political reality in which anti-India sentiment and public scepticism towards India have become significant factors.
He said India would benefit from building relations with all stakeholders in Bangladesh rather than with a single political party.
“Given the geographical reality, it is not possible to formulate economic and security strategies by ignoring India,” he said.
Former ambassador M Humayun Kabir said India had a responsibility regarding the Hasina issue and should have exercised greater caution.
“Given where the relationship now stands, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is a major obstacle. There is no doubt about that,” Kabir said.
He said accepting Bangladesh’s political change would help move bilateral relations forward.
What is the government thinking?
Diplomatic analysts say the government’s strategy is to pursue pressure and dialogue simultaneously.
Dhaka is maintaining a firm position on Hasina’s extradition and border killings while continuing engagement with India on trade, electricity imports and security cooperation.
The objective, they say, is to make India understand that good relations with Bangladesh also require taking the aspirations of its people into account.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said Bangladesh-India relations would be rebuilt on anew footing.
The two countries would move away from the pattern of relations that existed over the past 17 years and build ties based on equality, he said.
“Friends can be changed, but neighbours cannot be changed,” he said.
