Bangladesh-India relations have faced strain over the past year. Five major issues, including trade restrictions, visa bans, and border incidents, have created tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Since the interim government took over in Bangladesh, relations with India have been tested. Issues like repatriating Sheikh Hasina, trade barriers, visa restrictions, push-ins, and border killings have fueled ongoing disputes.
Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister, fled to India after a 2024 uprising. Bangladesh considers her statements provocative and has repeatedly requested her return for trial, but India has not complied.
Bangladesh sent letters urging India to prevent Hasina from making inflammatory remarks. India’s failure to act has deepened the rift, making her repatriation a significant point of contention between the nations.
India imposed trade restrictions on Bangladesh three times this year. On April 9, India revoked Bangladesh’s access to Kolkata airport for exports, impacting trade. Further restrictions followed on May 17 and June 28.
These trade barriers have hurt Bangladesh’s export capabilities. In response, Bangladesh has taken steps to counter the impact, but the restrictions continue to strain bilateral economic ties.
On August 5, India halted tourist visas for Bangladeshis after Bangladesh’s political shift. While medical and student visas remain, Bangladesh tightened visa rules for Indians, complicating travel for both sides.
Bangladesh introduced alternative visa processes for countries requiring Delhi visits. This move, aimed at easing travel issues, has added to the ongoing tensions between the two governments.
India’s frequent push-ins have escalated disputes. After a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, India detained alleged “illegal Bangladeshis” in Gujarat and pushed nearly 2,000 people into Bangladesh.
Bangladesh sent four letters urging India to stop push-ins, expressing concern over the practice. Human Rights Watch criticized India for targeting Indian Muslims, further straining bilateral relations.
Border killings remain a serious issue. Bangladesh has strongly protested multiple incidents, sending letters and summoning India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka to address the unacceptable violence.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain emphasized that border killings are intolerable. Bangladesh has adopted a firm stance, demanding India take action to prevent further incidents.
Despite tensions, positive steps have occurred. India sent a medical team to treat victims of a warplane crash in Dhaka. This aid offered a glimpse of cooperation amid strained relations.
On December 9, 2024, a Foreign Office Consultation meeting took place. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended, signaling efforts to maintain diplomatic channels despite ongoing disputes.
A meeting between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi occurred on April 4 in Thailand. This discussion eased some tensions, fostering hope for better relations.
Experts suggest India must adapt to Bangladesh’s new government. Building ties with the public, not just political parties, could reduce tensions and strengthen bilateral relations over time.
