Modi’s Olive Branch: What Bangladesh Needs Next

The latest development in Indo-Bangladesh relations has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s desire to meet his Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman and make their encounter “memorable,” according to Indian envoy Pankaj Saran. This time, it’s not just a friendly gesture but a calculated move to ease tensions between the two nations.

The current impasse is largely due to Dhaka’s demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster in 2024. Bangladesh’s persistent push for her return has created a contentious backdrop for Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi. Modi wants the visit to be “memorable,” suggesting an attempt to downplay complexities and focus on building trust.

India is keen to engage with its eastern neighbor through economic cooperation and people-to-people ties. The Confederation of Indian Industry’s recent visit to Dhaka underscores this commitment. However, Dhaka remains adamant about addressing long-standing issues like Hasina’s extradition. This has created a delicate dance of diplomacy between the two nations.

India must walk a fine line between its Neighbourhood First policy and the complexities of Bangladeshi politics. The envoy highlights trade and youth as potential bridges between the two nations, recognizing areas where cooperation can thrive despite historical tensions. Creating a conducive environment for people-to-people ties to flourish is crucial in this context.

Mutual trust is the bedrock of any lasting relationship, and Trivedi’s call for “mutual and unconditional trust” echoes this imperative. Given the complexities surrounding Hasina’s extradition, India needs to demonstrate a more concrete commitment to addressing Dhaka’s concerns.

The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh relations. Will India prioritize its Neighbourhood First policy or get bogged down by the intricacies of Bangladeshi politics? A memorable visit by Rahman may not be enough to paper over the cracks; what’s required is a sustained effort to address the underlying concerns of both nations.

Only then can Indo-Bangladesh relations truly begin to flourish – built on trust, mutual understanding, and a deep recognition of each other’s complexities.