Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a notable return to New Delhi, marking her second official visit in under two weeks. Arriving on Friday evening, Hasina’s diplomatic agenda focuses on Saturday’s events, including a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. This visit precedes her upcoming trip to China, underscoring Bangladesh’s diplomatic balancing act between its ties with India and growing relations with China.
The backdrop of Hasina’s visit includes historical ties between Bangladesh and India, rooted in India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971. Despite these strong ties, China’s expanding influence in Bangladesh through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) poses strategic challenges for India. These dynamics are likely to be central to discussions during Hasina’s talks with Modi.
The visit also comes amidst domestic political dynamics in Bangladesh, including opposition parties’ stances on relations with India and China. Issues such as illegal immigration into India, Rohingya refugee crises, and unresolved river water disputes, particularly the Teesta river, remain contentious topics between the two nations.
Hasina’s presence at Modi’s recent swearing-in ceremony marked a significant diplomatic gesture, reflecting ongoing efforts to navigate regional dynamics and strengthen bilateral relations. As the visit unfolds, observers keenly watch for outcomes that could impact regional geopolitics and economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh.