India Seeks Constructive Ties With Bangladesh Amid Political Shift

The Ministry of External Affairs of India stated on Tuesday that it seeks a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal affirmed that New Delhi is prepared to discuss all bilateral issues through existing structured mechanisms.

This diplomatic outreach follows a period of strained relations triggered by the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. Relations further evolved with the rise of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus and the subsequent election of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party government in February.

While Prime Minister Rahman is currently in New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, it remains unconfirmed if he will meet with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Tensions have been evident in recent months, including Rahman's absence from the BRICS Summit in Delhi.

Despite these political frictions, military cooperation continues. The Bangladesh Air Force is scheduled to participate in the Tarang Shakti multilateral air exercise, hosted by the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12.