Jaishankar Warns Bangladesh Over Anti-India Rhetoric Amid Rising Tensions

February 25, 2025 – Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has issued a strong warning to Bangladesh, urging Dhaka to clarify its stance on bilateral relations with New Delhi and refrain from making “ridiculous” accusations against India. His remarks, delivered at a public function, come in the wake of escalating tensions between the two neighbors, fueled by border clashes, political upheaval in Bangladesh, and rising anti-India sentiment.

The comments of Jaishankar follow his recent meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain in Muscat, where he cautioned Dhaka against “normalizing terrorism” and aligning with forces that seek to destabilize South Asia.

India-Bangladesh Relations at a Crossroads

Expressing concern over the hostile rhetoric emerging from the interim government of Bangladesh, Jaishankar said:

“If every day someone in the interim government stands up and blames India for everything – some of those claims, if you look at the reports, are absolutely ridiculous. You cannot, on the one hand, say that ‘I would like to have good relations with you,’ and on the other, blame India for everything that goes wrong. It is a decision that they must make.”

Jaishankar underscored India’s concerns over two key issues:

Communal Violence and Attacks on Minorities: He emphasized that the spate of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh has alarmed New Delhi, adding that it significantly impacts India’s diplomatic posture.
Bangladesh’s Domestic Politics and its Impact on Bilateral Ties: He noted that while India does not interfere in Dhaka’s internal affairs, the interim government must decide on the kind of relationship it envisions with India moving forward.

The Indian foreign minister further criticized the growing influence of Pakistan in Bangladesh, linking it to rising anti-India narratives. He reiterated that New Delhi remains committed to stability in the region but will not tolerate “constant hostile messaging” from Dhaka.

Political Upheaval in Bangladesh: A Geopolitical Flashpoint

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have intensified since the dramatic ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The transition, driven by a student-led uprising, forced Hasina to flee to India, where she currently resides in exile.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has since accused Hasina of severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during her 15-year tenure. A December 2024 commission report implicated her in the forced disappearance of up to 3,500 individuals.

However, India has refused to recognize the new administration, citing its pro-Pakistan leanings, which contradict New Delhi’s “Neighborhood First” policy. This stance has fueled public resentment in Bangladesh, with anti-India protests erupting across the country.

Border Tensions and Human Rights Concerns

Bangladesh has accused India’s Border Security Force (BSF) of carrying out extrajudicial killings of Bangladeshi nationals along the border, straining diplomatic ties further. Reports indicate that in the past six months, over 42 Bangladeshis have been killed by the Border Security Force (BSF), prompting Dhaka to call for international intervention.

Meanwhile, border skirmishes between the BSF and Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) have intensified, leading to at least five fatalities in recent weeks. The situation has sparked domestic outrage in Bangladesh, with human rights groups condemning India’s alleged disregard for civilian lives.

Anti-India Sentiment and Rising Religious Tensions

As tensions escalate, attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have surged, with radical elements linking the community to India’s political maneuvering. The “Hindus Out” campaign has gained traction, reflecting growing backlash against India’s perceived interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

India has condemned these attacks, contrasting them with its own policies towards minorities. However, critics argue that India’s concerns over Hindus in Bangladesh stand in stark contrast to its treatment of Muslims in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, exposing perceived double standards.

Regional Implications: SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the China Factor

Jaishankar’s warning to Bangladesh also touched upon regional groupings such as SAARC and BIMSTEC, urging Dhaka not to align with “terror-friendly” entities. Bangladesh has been seeking to strengthen ties with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka to counterbalance India’s regional dominance.

The shifting power dynamics have also attracted China’s attention. Beijing has ramped up infrastructure investments in Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), positioning itself as a key player in South Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape.

India’s Next Move: Balancing Diplomacy with Strategic Interests

With Bangladesh seeking Hasina’s extradition from India, New Delhi finds itself in a diplomatic quandary. Compliance could signal a willingness to engage with the interim government, but refusal could further alienate Dhaka.

At the same time, India’s covert backing of RSS-led protests in Delhi and the circulation of anti-Bangladesh narratives in Indian media suggest an attempt to regain influence and shape public perception.

Bangladesh, on its part, is expected to leverage global platforms such as the United Nations, Oorganization of Islamic Countries, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to highlight India’s alleged interference and seek international support.

Also See: Shifting Sands: India, Bangladesh, and a Political Reset

A Precarious Road Ahead

As the India-Bangladesh standoff deepens, the coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of their bilateral relationship. Whether Dhaka moderates its stance or continues to challenge India’s influence will shape South Asia’s regional stability in the long run.

For now, the warning of Jaishankar serves as a clear message – Bangladesh must decide whether to pursue cooperation or confrontation with its historically close but increasingly estranged neighbor.