New Delhi: Bangladesh on Tuesday acknowledged that its relations with India remain under strain, following New Delhi’s decision to summon the Bangladeshi High Commissioner over controversial remarks made by a political leader in Dhaka. While stopping short of saying that bilateral ties have entered a new phase, Bangladesh indicated that tensions have persisted for some time and will require mutual effort to ease.
Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser said India’s diplomatic step was not unexpected and should be viewed as a routine response to statements that had wider implications. He noted that it was difficult at this stage to determine whether the relationship had fundamentally shifted, adding that the current situation reflects existing challenges in bilateral engagement.
The remarks came days after a senior leader of the National Citizen Party made statements perceived as threatening India’s territorial integrity. The politician had suggested that Bangladesh could provide space to forces hostile to India and referred to severing India’s northeastern region, commonly known as the seven sisters. Several of these states share a direct border with Bangladesh, raising concerns in New Delhi over the implications of such rhetoric.
Addressing the fallout, the foreign affairs adviser said that diplomatic reactions of this nature were predictable under the circumstances. He acknowledged that relations between the two neighbours have been tense, including during the tenure of the current interim administration in Bangladesh.
According to him, both sides were aware of the strain and had previously expressed a desire to maintain good relations. However, progress had remained limited, resulting in the continuation of stress in ties. He stressed that restoring normalcy would require initiatives and understanding from both countries.
The adviser also admitted that differences exist between Dhaka and New Delhi on certain issues, with each side holding its own positions. He said such disagreements are part of bilateral relations but emphasised the need for dialogue and engagement to prevent further deterioration.
India and Bangladesh share close historical, cultural, and economic ties, along with extensive cooperation on trade, connectivity, and security. Recent developments, however, have highlighted sensitivities in the relationship, particularly when political statements cross into areas affecting sovereignty and regional stability.
Observers note that how both sides manage the current episode through diplomatic channels will be crucial in determining whether tensions ease or persist in the coming months.
