In recent months, South Asia has witnessed a whirlwind of geopolitical shifts, but one development stands out as both unexpected and consequential: the budding opportunities for partnership between Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, this evolving dynamic must be viewed in the context of the deep and enduring ties between India and Bangladesh, which are rooted in shared history, culture, and values.
India’s role as a trusted friend of Bangladesh is firmly anchored in the events of 1971. During Bangladesh’s Liberation War, India played a pivotal role, providing not only political and diplomatic support but also military assistance. The Indian Army’s decisive intervention in December 1971 led to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan’s oppressive regime, an act that cemented India’s place in the hearts of millions of Bangladeshis.
Since then, the cultural bonds between the two nations have only deepened. Bangladesh’s shared linguistic and cultural heritage with India, particularly with the Indian state of West Bengal, has fostered a sense of kinship. From Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry to Bollywood films, Indian cultural influences resonate strongly in Bangladeshi society. This cultural affinity forms the foundation of a relationship that extends far beyond mere politics.
Sheikh Hasina’s decade-long tenure as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister was marked by an unparalleled strengthening of India-Bangladesh ties. Her Awami League government worked closely with New Delhi to ensure border stability, curb anti-India militancy, and promote economic integration. Under her leadership, Bangladesh emerged as one of India’s most reliable partners in South Asia, aligning its foreign policy with Indian strategic interests and resisting overtures from rival powers like China and Pakistan.
The recent political shift in Bangladesh, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, introduces uncertainties into this historically close relationship. The new interim government, which includes factions less favorable to India, may recalibrate Bangladesh’s foreign policy to a degree. This has created an opening for Pakistan to re-engage with Dhaka, raising concerns in New Delhi.
While Pakistan views this as an opportunity to break its regional isolation, the reality is that Bangladesh’s ties with India are far more substantial and enduring. Economic cooperation, connectivity projects, and shared strategic interests have created a robust framework for India-Bangladesh relations. Projects like the Maitree Express, improved trade corridors, and energy cooperation underscore the depth of their partnership.
Moreover, the people-to-people connections between India and Bangladesh remain strong. Shared celebrations of cultural icons like Tagore and Nazrul, common traditions, and a mutual appreciation of art and literature bind the two nations in ways that go beyond geopolitics. These cultural and historical bonds make it unlikely that Bangladesh will drift far from India, regardless of political changes.
For New Delhi, however, complacency is not an option. India must proactively reaffirm its commitment to Bangladesh by assisting pro-India political forces, in collaboration with the international community, to ensure the establishment of a democratically elected, secular government. Offering continued economic incentives, development assistance, and security cooperation, while emphasizing shared history and cultural ties, will enable India to counter any overtures from Islamabad and safeguard the enduring partnership with Dhaka.
In the broader context, the evolving Pakistan-Bangladesh dynamic serves as a reminder of the fluidity of regional alliances. Yet, the foundation of India-Bangladesh relations—built on trust, shared sacrifices, and cultural connections—is uniquely resilient. For South Asia’s future, these bonds will likely remain a stabilizing force, even as the geopolitical landscape continues to shift.
Dastagir Jahangir, Editor, The Voice.
