Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has turned to “mango diplomacy” in a fresh attempt to reconnect with India. Over the weekend, a shipment of 1,000 kilograms of the prized Haribhanga mangoes was sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior political leaders in New Delhi. These mangoes, grown in northern Bangladesh, are among the country’s most loved varieties.
According to Dhaka Tribune, this gesture was organised by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is seen as a diplomatic olive branch from Dhaka to New Delhi.
Along with Prime Minister Modi, the mangoes were sent to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. Officials at the Bangladesh High Commission in India said the fruits were intended for distribution among key dignitaries in the Indian Prime Minister’s Office and members of the diplomatic community.
This tradition of exchanging seasonal fruits, especially mangoes, is deeply rooted in South Asian diplomacy and represents gestures of goodwill and friendship.
This mango shipment came shortly after an exchange of Eid greetings between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi had earlier sent wishes on Eid-ul-Adha to the people of Bangladesh and to Professor Yunus. In a reply dated June 6, Yunus wrote that Modi’s message “reflects the shared values” between the two neighbours.
He added, “I am confident that the spirit of mutual respect and understanding will continue to guide our nations to work together for the wellbeing of our peoples.”
Yunus also described Eid as “a time of reflection, which brings communities together in the spirit of festivity, sacrifice, generosity and unity,” while highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
Modi, in his earlier message dated June 4, called the festival “an integral part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India,” saying its values of “sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood” were essential for building inclusive societies.
Ties between India and Bangladesh have been tense since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. After months of protests led by youth, her administration collapsed amid violence that reportedly claimed over 1,000 lives. Hasina left the country and is currently living in India in self-imposed exile.
India has not fully embraced the new interim administration under Yunus and has criticised it over several issues, including its response to communal unrest and its increasing diplomatic engagement with China and Pakistan.
On the other hand, Bangladesh has accused India of interfering in its domestic affairs and expressed frustration over “unwanted Indian interference.”
In the past year, Bangladesh under Yunus has moved closer to China. The country has received more than $7 billion in Chinese investments and owes over $6 billion in debt. China has become an important player in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development.
Bangladesh is also an active member of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive global development strategy launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Even so, Yunus has stated publicly that national elections could be held by the end of 2025 and that he does not plan to run as a candidate himself.
Despite its growing partnership with China, Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on India due to geography and trade. With 94% of its borders shared with India, Bangladesh relies on its neighbour for trade routes and crucial supplies like food grains, refined oil, electronic goods, and raw materials.
Any long-term breakdown in relations could hurt Bangladesh’s economy. A slowdown in cross-border trade could cause inflation, job losses, and hamper GDP growth. The country’s key garment industry, which is the backbone of its exports, depends on textile inputs from India.
At the same time, India values Bangladesh as a strategic partner, especially for regional connectivity, security cooperation, and efforts to fight terrorism.
Using mangoes as a diplomatic gift is a long-standing custom in the region. In 2023, then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent mangoes to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi as a goodwill gesture amid difficult negotiations on the Teesta water-sharing issue.
Other examples include Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari gifting mangoes to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2008, and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi offering mangoes to Philippine President Corazon Aquino during a 1986 state visit.
This year, Bangladesh sent 300 kilograms of Haribhanga mangoes to Tripura via the Akhaura land port. Tripura, in return, is expected to send its famous Queen pineapples, known for their sweetness and flavour.
Though largely symbolic, these fruit exchanges play an important role in keeping diplomatic lines open, even during periods of political strain.
