The current tension between these two South Asian neighbours is unprecedented. For the past 15 years, their relationship was largely defined by government-centered closeness. Despite occasional fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, the level of strain witnessed in the past six months is unlike anything seen before.
Against this backdrop, what might the upcoming talks between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Touhid Hossain, and Indian Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, look like?
Diplomatic sources indicate that since the interim government took office on 8 August, both countries have expressed a willingness to strengthen ties in every meeting. However, despite these discussions, Bangladesh remains dissatisfied with India’s recent actions.
According to diplomatic sources, India has unnecessarily escalated tensions along the border without provocation. Incidents of attacks and vandalism have occurred at Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in Agartala and Kolkata.
Furthermore, efforts appear to be underway to create instability in Bangladesh by leveraging Sheikh Hasina. The continuous spread of misinformation about Bangladesh in the Indian media has further fueled Dhaka’s frustration and anger.
Foreign Ministry officials assert that India’s interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs is unacceptable. At the upcoming meeting in Muscat, Dhaka will demand that such interference cease.
Additionally, Bangladesh will urge India to prevent fugitive criminals residing in India from orchestrating activities that contribute to instability in Bangladesh.
Officials also emphasised that Bangladesh has always sought to maintain strong ties with India. As such, at the meeting in Muscat, Dhaka will reaffirm its commitment to maintaining positive relations and caution New Delhi against any actions that could further strain ties.
Bangladesh has already issued a formal request to India to take measures against Sheikh Hasina.
Foreign Ministry officials stated that this message will be reiterated in Muscat, emphasising that her anti-Bangladesh activities in India pose a serious threat to bilateral relations.
Furthermore, Dhaka will call for an end to border killings, insist that both nations adhere to previously agreed-upon border policies, and urge India to refrain from escalating tensions by constructing barbed wire fences along the zero line of the border.