Regaining the neighbourhood The Statesman 17 Mar 2026
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Regaining the neighbourhood The Statesman 17 Mar 2026
Who could have predicted that India’s vicinity would change for the better so soon. A year ago, threats to India were rising as countries in the region displayed anti-India sentiments. In Bangladesh, the Mohamad Yunus led caretaker government supported Jamaat-e-Islami and its anti-India agenda. Further, Yunus’s nemesis, Sheikh Hasina, was in India as a guest of the state and despite all demands was not being extradited. Her statements from Delhi added to Yunus’s concerns. Yunus had also made multiple requests to visit New Delhi but these were rejected.
Yunus was aware that attacks on minorities would ignite anger within India and pose a challenge to the Modi government, which if it acted in retribution, would worsen ties for a prolonged duration. He further instigated India by making controversial statements, including while visiting Beijing, claiming China could utilize Bangladesh ports for trade with India’s North East. Yunus had hoped that the Jamaat-e-Islami would make substantial gains in the elections adding to India’s insecurity.
Yunus enhanced ties with Pakistan, opening doors for the ISI to exploit Bangladesh territory against India. There were reports that China was being given major construction contracts including a dam as also airfields close to the Chicken’s Neck. India was forced to open new military bases close to the border to monitor these threats.
India knew Yunus was a product of the deep state and was performing on their directions. New Delhi responded with maturity. It did close few land ports restricting Bangladesh’s access to Indian ports, slowing exports. It also curtailed aid and support to the country. All this time, army to army contacts remained strong and stable. After all, in Bangladesh, it is the army which ensures the survival of the government.
The elections bringing the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) led by Tarique Rahman, was a welcome change. Almost immediately the government began acting to reverse the soiled relationship. Tarique invited the Indian PM for his swearing in. India was represented by the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, who conveyed PM Modi’s invitation to Tarique Rahman to visit India. Om Birla posted on X, ‘India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation.’
Bangladesh has faced coups before and hence having a strong army chief who backs democracy, is a pre-requisite. Understanding the need to strengthen the hands of the army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Tarique began his tenure by weeding out pro-Pak, pro-Jamaat and pro-Yunus members within the armed forces. They were either posted to inconsequential appointments or assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for future posting abroad. This also sent a positive message to India.
The newly appointed Bangladeshi Director General of Forces Intelligence, Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhary, made a quiet visit to India, soon after assuming his appointment. During the visit he interacted with the head of India’s RAW as also the Director General of Military Intelligence. A quiet dinner with the RAW chief conveys positivity. A lot would have been exchanged as also Indian concerns highlighted. It is possible that sharing of intelligence between the two states on national security would now increase.
Another first was the visit to Mhow by Bangladesh’s envoy to India, Riaz Hamidullah. During the visit he addressed the Joint Capsule on ‘bilateral ties and cultural connections shaping the future of both nations.’ Riaz wrote on X, ‘With 180 sr. military officers of Higher Command Course from (Indian) Tri Forces, shared perspectives on the state of #Bangladesh | #India ties, ways to address issues/challenges and curve ‘road ahead’ in shared interests.’
India on its part has also moved forward. It supplied 5000 tons of diesel via the 131-km India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline to help ease critical shortages in Bangladesh. This is part of an existing agreement and India did not shy away.
Reports of attacks on minorities or violence against Hindu places of worship have reduced. Both sides are moving forward cautiously, seeking to mend ties. India is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and can assist in revival of the Bangladesh economy. Demands for extradition of Sheikh Hasina have reduced as also have anti-government comments by her. There remain stumbling blocks but these can be overcome if both sides display positivity in the days ahead. A lot would depend on which country Tarique Rahman visits first, India or China. It is also hoped that the Bangladesh army chief visits India soon.
Nepal was another state where relations wavered and anti-India sentiments ran high. Since 2008, post the ending of the monarchy, Nepal had three individuals, Sher Bahadur Dueba, KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kama Dahal, playing musical chairs as the PM. It has had 14 governments during this time. The Gen Z movement flowed from frustration on a failing economy, high debt and poor governance. The recent elections threw up a new leadership, Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, which swept the polls. The youth believe this party has the will to change their fortunes and usher in growth.
In reply to congratulations by PM Modi, Balendra stated, ‘I express my confidence that we will work together to further strengthen, deepen and make more outcome-oriented the historic, close, and multi-dimensional relations existing between Nepal and India in the coming days.’
Despite both nations possessing cultural and religious ties, relations have been awry. The refusal of Nepal to permit its citizens to serve in the Indian army due to the Agniveer policy has impacted both sides. The armed forces veterans in Nepal maintain close ties with their Indian counterparts. It is hoped that the new government would change its policies.
New Delhi must now look at completing its stalled projects as also finding solutions to the border issues. It must exploit its soft power to overcome the ‘big brother’ image and be more of a partner in development. Simultaneously, Nepal would need to balance its ties between India and China, which would continue to attempt to interfere in Nepal’s functioning as also project a picture of cooperation. It is early days, but there is hope that if both work together, a lot can be achieved, benefitting both nations.
No one could have imagined this sudden change in the neighbourhood a year ago. India navigated the past with patience and maturity. It is now time to push steadily enhancing ties with the younger leadership in both nations and shaping the neighbourhood.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army