Is India changing stand on Bangladesh? Narendra Modi’s outreach to Khaleda Zia hints at policy recalibration before polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message expressing concern over ailing BNP chief Khaleda Zia marks a rare intervention by India as Bangladesh heads for elections and political equations are changing.
Narendra Modi with Khaleda Zia. (File Image)
In what could be termed a belated realization of difficult ground realities, India reached out to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Former Prime Minister and BNP chief Begum Zia is an arch-rival of New Delhi’s proven ally Sheikh Hasina. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns about his health and offered help on social media platform X. “I am deeply concerned to receive information regarding the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to the public life of Bangladesh for many years,” she wrote in a post. “We offer our sincerest prayers and best wishes for his speedy recovery. India is ready to provide all possible support in every possible way.”
We are deeply concerned about the health condition of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to the public life of Bangladesh for many years. We offer our sincere prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. India stands ready to provide all possible support.
—Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2025
Message from Narendra Modi
Although there was an attempt to mend ties with the BNP, the party did not disappoint India. He responded via his official handle to express his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India. “The BNP deeply appreciates this goodwill gesture and the expression of readiness to extend support,” the statement said.
(Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia)
BNP expresses its sincere gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister of India, @narendramodiThank you for your thoughtful message and good wishes for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khalide Zia.
BNP deeply appreciates this gesture of goodwill and expression of readiness…
— Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) December 1, 2025
Khaleda Zia had been sick for a long time and doctors referred her to Evercare Hospital on November 23. After his condition worsened, he was put on a ventilator. BNP Deputy Chairman Ahmed Aazam Khan confirmed that his medical condition was critical and said doctors had exhausted most of the medical options. “His situation is very critical. There is nothing to do other than getting the prayers of the whole nation.”
Khaleda Zia’s health
Bangladesh’s first female prime minister struggles with several chronic health problems, including liver and kidney problems, diabetes, arthritis and eye-related complications. He was taken to London on 8 January for further medical treatment. He stayed with his son Tarique Rehman, who was living in exile in London. Khaleda Zia was under the treatment of specialist doctors Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross and returned to Dhaka on May 6.
Historically, the BNP has been at loggerheads with India, preferring to support its main political rival, the Awami League. New Delhi always supported Mujibur Rehman’s daughter in the political rivalry between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, which was called the ‘War of the Begums’. Another reason for the distance with India is the BNP’s pro-Islam approach. The party has worked with Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, something India could never approve of, given its secular credentials.
(Narendra Modi with deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina)
Bangladesh political crisis
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in a popular nationwide protest on August 5, 2024, the BNP sought to mend fences with India and signaled its willingness to compromise. India responded to this and, if media reports are to be believed, some officials met BNP leaders on camera. It is believed that the back-channel diplomacy will bear fruit when the prime ministers reach out to the ailing former prime minister of the neighboring state.
Bangladesh is likely to go to polls in February next year and the BNP is likely to emerge as the largest political force. If Jamaat-e-Islami manages to form the government with the help of Bangladesh or some other parties, New Delhi will have to be open to it. Sending positive signals now can pave the way for better relationships in the future. Prime Minister Modi’s message can be seen in this context.
