7 January 2025

How 2025 will be a challenging year for India-Bangladesh ties - Opinion

Sayantan Ghosh

2025 will be a year to watch for India-Bangladesh relations, with several critical developments that could redefine the bilateral ties between these two neighbouring nations. The political landscape in Bangladesh has undergone significant changes with the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, and the implications of these changes are far-reaching. From the contentious issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's deportation to the delay in elections, the protection of Hindu minorities, and the shifting alliances with Pakistan and China, the stakes have never been higher. The decisions made and actions taken in 2025 will have profound consequences for both countries, shaping their economic, strategic, and humanitarian futures.

One of the most pressing issues is the request for the deportation of Hasina, who fled to India amid widespread protests. India's response to this request will be a litmus test for its diplomatic stance and could either strengthen or strain the bilateral relationship. Additionally, the delay in elections in Bangladesh has created a power vacuum that hardline groups like Jamaat-e-Islami are eager to fill. The rise of these groups, which have historically been anti-India, could destabilise the region and undermine the progress made in recent years.

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