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Diplomatic Correspondent
India has welcomed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide election victory and the assumption of office by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, viewing the political transition as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations. At the same time, New Delhi remains concerned about China’s expanding influence in Bangladesh.
The assessment was made in a report by the Indian Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs, titled The Future of India-Bangladesh Relations, which was presented in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Thursday (July 30).
The report reviews India’s approach toward Bangladesh’s newly elected government, the status of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India, China’s growing presence in Bangladesh, and outlines recommendations for future policy.
According to the report, following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, India adopted a measured, non-interventionist approach during the interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. However, it describes the BNP’s decisive victory in the February elections and Tarique Rahman’s appointment as prime minister as a positive development.
After the election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first foreign leader to congratulate Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in a telephone conversation. India was represented at Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who delivered a personal congratulatory message from Modi and extended an invitation for the Bangladeshi prime minister to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
The parliamentary committee praised the government’s diplomatic engagement, saying it presents an excellent opportunity to deepen relations with Bangladesh’s new democratic government and resolve outstanding bilateral issues based on mutual respect.
Sheikh Hasina’s Stay in India
Regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who took refuge in India after being removed from power during the student-led uprising on August 5, 2024, the report says her stay is consistent with India’s long-standing humanitarian asylum policy. However, it stresses that she is not being allowed to use Indian territory for political activities.
On Bangladesh’s request for her extradition, India’s Ministry of External Affairs informed the committee that the request is being reviewed in accordance with applicable laws and established legal procedures.
Enhanced Border Cooperation
The report states that intelligence sharing and joint patrols between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been strengthened. These issues were also discussed during director-general-level meetings between the two border forces in February and August 2025.
Concerns Over China’s Expanding Role
The committee expressed concern over China’s increasing economic, infrastructure, and strategic involvement in Bangladesh.
It noted that Bangladesh signed a $370 million agreement with China in March 2025 to develop Mongla Port. The report also highlighted the modernization of the Lalmonirhat airbase with Chinese assistance, located approximately 15 kilometers from India’s international border, describing it as a strategic concern due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor.
The report further raised concerns about the Chinese-supported submarine base at Pekua.
The committee recommended that the Indian government closely monitor the activities of foreign powers in Bangladesh and take appropriate measures to safeguard India’s national security while reinforcing its position as a reliable development partner.
Ganges Water-Sharing Agreement
The report identifies the renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which expires this year, as one of the highest priorities in bilateral relations.
To prepare for negotiations, India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti established an inter-ministerial committee in July 2023, including representatives from the state governments of West Bengal and Bihar.
Teesta Water Agreement
On the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement, the report says India aims to reach a fair and balanced arrangement through consultations with the concerned states, particularly West Bengal, ensuring that the agreement is acceptable to all stakeholders.
Visa Services
The committee described visa services as one of the key pillars of India-Bangladesh relations.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs told the committee that visa operations were severely disrupted after August 2024 when Indian personnel were withdrawn from visa centers in Bangladesh due to security concerns.
Currently, around 1,500 visas are issued daily through five visa centers in Bangladesh, with approximately 80 percent granted for medical purposes.
The committee noted that prolonged restrictions on visa services have negatively affected people-to-people contacts and recommended restoring full visa operations in phases once the security situation improves.
Indian Line of Credit Projects
The report also reviewed progress under India’s Line of Credit (LoC) projects in Bangladesh.
During the 23rd LoC Review Meeting held in Dhaka on March 5–6, 2025, both sides agreed to cancel 12 projects that were still in the pre-implementation stage. Meanwhile, eight ongoing projects were identified as priorities and should be completed on schedule to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
Minority Protection
The committee described attacks on minority communities following Bangladesh’s political transition in August 2024 as a sensitive issue in bilateral relations.
According to the report, 2,446 incidents involving attacks on minorities had been reported as of May 18, 2025. India has raised these concerns with the Bangladeshi government through diplomatic channels.
The committee emphasized the need for impartial investigations into allegations of violence, arson, and killings targeting minorities, and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
LDC Graduation and CEPA
The report notes that Bangladesh currently enjoys duty-free and quota-free access for most exports to India under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) as a Least Developed Country (LDC).
However, these trade benefits may end after Bangladesh graduates from LDC status in 2026. To mitigate the impact, the committee recommended expediting negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.
The report also highlights the shared historical foundation of India-Bangladesh relations, particularly India’s support during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.