The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh has created a diplomatic dilemma for India, which finds itself caught in a challenging position following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The situation has become increasingly complex with demands for Hasina’s extradition from India, where she sought refuge after fleeing the country amid a student-led revolution.
Hasina, who was ousted by a popular uprising led by students protesting against her administration’s alleged abuses, is now seen as a contentious issue in Indian foreign policy. The Bangladeshi students and their supporters are pressing for Hasina’s return to face trial for her role in the crackdown on protesters during the revolt. This has put India in a difficult spot, as sending Hasina back could jeopardize its diplomatic relationships with other South Asian nations and negatively impact its influence in the region.
India has traditionally been a key ally of Bangladesh, but Hasina’s removal has strained this relationship. The diplomatic challenge is compounded by the broader geopolitical context, where India is vying for influence in South Asia against China’s growing presence. Analysts, such as Thomas Kean from the International Crisis Group, argue that India is unlikely to extradite Hasina due to the potential repercussions it could have on its relationships with other regional leaders. Extraditing Hasina could signal to other allies that India may not offer protection in times of crisis, thus weakening India’s position in the region.
The situation is further complicated by recent developments in neighboring countries. India’s influence in the Maldives waned last year when its preferred presidential candidate lost to a rival who subsequently leaned towards Beijing. With Hasina’s departure, India has lost one of its closest allies in Bangladesh, a significant blow given the strategic importance of the region.
The current Bangladeshi administration, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has garnered support from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has also emphasized the protection of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. However, this support has not been without controversy. The previous administration’s abuses, coupled with ongoing anti-India sentiment among those who suffered under Hasina’s rule, have strained relations. This discord was exacerbated during the recent floods that affected both countries, with some Bangladeshis blaming India for the disaster’s impact.
Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), criticized India’s approach, stating that India had put all its diplomatic efforts into supporting Hasina and now struggles to adjust to the new political reality. Alamgir pointed out that while Bangladeshis generally desire a positive relationship with India, they do not want it to come at the expense of their national interests or principles.
As the diplomatic fallout continues, India faces a delicate balancing act. It must navigate its support for the current Bangladeshi government while addressing the growing discontent and demands related to the previous administration. This situation highlights the intricate nature of international relations and the challenges of managing alliances in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
