India's Perspective on Bangladesh's Domestic Affairs and Broader Dynamics

India's Perspective on Bangladesh's Domestic Affairs and Broader Dynamics

India-Bangladesh Relations: Navigating Mutual Concerns and Shared Responsibilities

Imagine if Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a note of concern about a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh, India, where four minority Muslims were allegedly killed by police during violence linked to a court-ordered survey of a historic mosque. The mosque is claimed by some Hindu groups to have been built on the ruins of a temple. India’s response to such a hypothetical statement would likely be one of strong condemnation, accusing Bangladesh of interfering in its internal affairs.

Yet, Bangladesh refrained from commenting on this or any of the numerous incidents in the past decade where India's religious minorities faced repression or violence. In stark contrast, India recently expressed “deep concern” over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh, framing it as part of a broader pattern of minority persecution. Bangladesh’s response was one of dismay, emphasizing that the arrest was a purely internal matter.

This diplomatic friction comes in the wake of significant political shifts in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing regime collapsed on August 5, 2024, following a student-led uprising. Her administration, marked by autocratic tendencies, electoral malpractice, enforced disappearances, and financial scandals, crumbled swiftly. Hasina, regarded as a close ally of India, sought refuge in the country and has been residing there since.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has continued to raise concerns about Bangladesh’s treatment of minorities, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi weighing in. In a late August tweet, Modi claimed to have discussed the situation in Bangladesh with U.S. President Joe Biden, emphasizing the safety and security of minorities. However, the White House made no mention of Bangladesh in its readout of the conversation.

The issue of minority rights is not unique to Bangladesh and India. Both nations have faced criticism for their handling of these communities. In India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda since coming to power in 2014, with Prime Minister Modi often criticized for Islamophobic rhetoric. In Bangladesh, the fall of Sheikh Hasina presents an opportunity to rebuild democratic norms and protect minority rights.

Human rights are both a national and international concern. Nations that sign human rights treaties are obligated to protect individuals from abuses. Failure to do so invites scrutiny, as reflected in reports like the 2024 Human Rights Watch analysis, which highlighted discriminatory policies in India.

India’s democracy has faced significant challenges in recent years. Freedom House downgraded India to a “partially free democracy” in 2021, while the V-Dem Institute labeled it an “electoral autocracy.” The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index has also classified India as a “flawed democracy,” citing laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which have stoked fears of discrimination.

For India and Bangladesh to move forward, cooperation rather than confrontation is key. Reviving regional platforms like SAARC could foster collaboration on shared challenges, including governance and human rights. South Asia could also take inspiration from the European Union in building stronger political and economic partnerships.

A lasting relationship between India and Bangladesh requires a foundation of equality and mutual respect—something Bangladesh has long sought. As Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma recently stated, the wide-ranging India-Bangladesh relationship should not be defined by a single issue. A measured, collaborative approach can help both nations address their internal challenges while strengthening ties.

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This version maintains the core arguments while enhancing coherence and readability.