India is aiming to build a “new page” in its relationship with Bangladesh following the recent elections, according to Pankaj Saran, the Convenor of NatStrat and a former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka.
Speaking to a visiting media delegation from Bangladesh, the veteran diplomat emphasised that security remains a cornerstone of India’s policy in the neighbourhood.
The expert, who has held senior roles in the Indian Prime Minister’s Office and the National Security Council, noted that New Delhi is closely observing how the new administration in Dhaka manages its interactions with China, Pakistan, and the United States.
The current geopolitical climate has seen a shift in India’s regional strategy, with a focus on pursuing policies that exclude Pakistan while monitoring China’s influence along shared borders.
Pankaj Saran highlighted that while nations like Afghanistan and Myanmar are grappling with internal instability, others such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are showing potential through the establishment of democracy.
He noted that these four countries are beginning new political journeys under fresh leaderships, contrasting this with the frozen diplomatic relations and “complete stalemate” currently existing between India and Pakistan.
Regarding the transition in Dhaka, the former diplomat remarked on the immediate and positive nature of the outreach between the two nations. Following the election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message to the new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman.
Tarique Rahman responded promptly via social media, an exchange that was accompanied by a subsequent phone call. This was described as a departure from the atmosphere under the previous Yunus regime.
Pankaj Saran stated that India did not waste a moment in recognising the election results and expressing a desire to find a new kind of relationship with its neighbour.
A significant signal of this diplomatic priority is the appointment of Dinesh Trivedi as the new Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. A veteran politician, he is the first political appointee to the role since 1971.
The former diplomat explained that this choice indicates Prime Minister Modi’s desire for a representative who holds his personal confidence and possesses the political seasoning required to navigate a complicated environment.
He suggested that the timing of the appointment reflects a gradual build-up in bilateral ties during these early days of the new administration.
Reflecting on the historical context, Pankaj Saran warned that while governments may change, the “reality” of shared history, geography, and culture remains constant.
He recalled the period between 2001 and 2006 when the relationship nearly broke down due to Indian security concerns regarding terrorist activities in the Northeast. At that time, a lack of dialogue and mutual denials led to a standstill that hampered regional initiatives.
He concluded that despite current global brutalities, South Asian nations should strive to demonstrate how to coexist peacefully, ensuring that past frictions do not hinder future progress.
.jpg "Measles-related deaths surpass 600 in Bangladesh")
