A Diplomatic U-Turn? Why India Is Suddenly Engaging Khaleda Zia’s Son Ahead Of Elections In Bangladesh | World News

New Delhi: As Bangladesh prepares for national elections in February, India appears to be turning over a new leaf with its Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This indicates a thaw in relations that have been tense for decades. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on December 30, where he met her son and interim BNP chief Tarique Rahman.

The minister handed Rahman a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing condolences and confidence that Khaleda Zia’s vision can guide the future development of India-Bangladesh relations. This suggests that India is moving away from its long-standing skepticism towards the BNP.

Historically, New Delhi had been wary of Khaleda Zia and her party due to the BNP’s past ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and its perceived pro-Pakistan position. India was also supporting her political rival Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party.

Analysts say the political turmoil following the July 2024 student-led uprising in Bangladesh that ended Hasina’s 15-year rule has forced both sides to reconsider their old positions.

With Hasina living in exile in New Delhi and barred from the upcoming elections, the BNP has moved to occupy the political space left vacant by her party. It has also moved away from Jamaat-e-Islami and formed alliances with leaders of the 2024 student movement, which could make the party more acceptable to New Delhi.

After returning from 17-year exile, Rahman emphasized inclusivity and protection of minorities and took a pragmatic approach more aligned with India’s interests.

For India, the potential partnership with Rahman represents a cautious but strategic move. Experts say India sees the BNP as a more predictable partner than the student movement and the Jamaat-led coalition, which are seen as a threat to regional stability and India’s interests. Rahman’s public statements since his return indicate a measured approach to improving ties with India.

But the history between India and the BNP is complex. During the previous BNP government, bilateral relations were tense over trade, border disputes, water sharing, migration and allegations of harboring anti-India militants. Analysts describe decades of mutual distrust that India is now carefully trying to navigate.

Rahman’s advisers say the BNP focuses on cooperation and regional stability, aiming to preserve Bangladesh’s independence in foreign policy and avoid being dragged into conflict with neighboring powers.

Analysts emphasize that India needs to carefully balance its interests in the region while developing a constructive relationship with the new BNP-led government.

Observers say the success of this diplomatic reset will depend on actions as much as words. The BNP has expressed interest in improving relations with India, but New Delhi needs to show that its approach represents a real break with the past to rebuild trust with the people of Bangladesh.