Sheikh Hasina’s resignation from the post of PM of Bangladesh and her leaving the country reflects a significant change in the geo-politics of South Asia. Her government has been a reliable ally for India. She used to keep a check on anti-India radical elements and maintain a balance in relations with India and China. Let us know what impact Sheikh Hasina’s departure can have on India.
With Sheikh Hasina losing power in Bangladesh, the possibility of anti-India sentiments resurfacing has increased. For example, there may be the rise of pro-China groups like Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, which may lead to a change in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, which may prove to be detrimental for India.
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India’s problems, security is a big concern
The political turmoil in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s departure has raised security concerns for India. India may face challenges related to border security due to instability in the neighbourhood. In contrast to Sheikh Hasina’s previous efforts to curb insurgent activities and maintain peace on the northeastern borders, anti-India activities may increase.
The instability in Bangladesh may lead to an increase in the influx of refugees from Bangladesh, which may create problems in border security for India, especially in areas where security is already a serious concern.
There was a Congress government in India when Sheikh Hasina took over the reins of Bangladesh in 2009. For India, giving asylum to her and even her family has been beneficial in keeping diplomatic interests in its favor.
However, relations between the two countries have become stronger after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India. Sheikh Hasina also visited India first after starting her fourth term.
For example, Indrani Bagchi, CEO of the Ananta Aspen Center, says, “Hasina has been sensitive to India’s security concerns. In return, India has been a generous neighbour, helping Bangladesh develop while also enhancing connectivity to reflect the economic and security interdependence between the two countries.”
Impact on India-Bangladesh relations
Sheikh Hasina’s departure could disrupt the long-standing economic ties between India and Bangladesh. During her tenure, there has been a good deal of trade between the two countries, with significant cooperation in areas such as energy, connectivity and infrastructure.
Hasina’s departure could lead to a reset of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Under her leadership, India has seen Bangladesh as a strategic partner with shared interests.
Now, his departure could re-energise the politically void opposition forces as they are trying to form an interim government and have even met the President for the same.
India’s headache at the strategic level
With the departure of Sheikh Hasina, major changes can be seen in South Asia, especially the growing influence of China can get further strengthened, which is a big challenge for India. For example, China had its eyes on the Teesta irrigation project, but with India’s offer of cooperation in it, Sheikh Hasina also changed her policies.
The location of the project is close to the Siliguri Corridor, which is a strategic headache for India. This corridor is popularly known as Chicken Neck, which is the only road link to the North East.
China was trying its best to hijack this project, which would have been difficult to achieve under Hasina’s leadership, but BNP and its allies can make it easier for it to achieve it.
Professor Asif Najrul of Dhaka University says, “Sheikh Hasina has handled the relations between India and China very wisely. India’s support was important for her to retain power and China’s support was important for strengthening her economic condition.” This is the reason why she was under pressure regarding the Teesta project, and this is the reason why she could not sign this project with India.
Asif Najrul says that people question that Bangladesh is giving ports and railway corridors to India, but what has been achieved from this? He said, “People see such concessions as (a trick) for Hasina to remain in power with the support of India.” He said that anti-India sentiments have been seen in the recent protests due to all these reasons.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)