Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the role of Indian Intelligence in breakup of Pakistan in 1971 through Mukti Bahini Movement.
It seems to be a collapse of years of investment for India.
Why is India Upset with Strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations? Both, India and Pakistan are arch rivals competing in every sphere of life. India and Pakistan continue to compete in number of nuclear weapons, standing armies, aircrafts and defense. Both the nations compete in terms of social power, economy, trade and influence. Interestingly, the cricket match between the teams of these two is the most watched sports event around the world. While Pakistan is smaller in number of people and in terms of land; it continues to give its Eastern neighbor a tough time.
The animosity between these two countries isn’t new. It began in 1947 with the partition of India. At that time, Bangladesh was East Pakistan. However, the internal rifts, power politics and the role of Indian intelligence made East Pakistan an independent state in 1971; Bangladesh. The creation of Bangladesh was separation of two arms from one body. Yet, the Indian intelligence operation was able to turn the brothers into enemies. It continued for good 50 years or more. However, things changed in Bangladesh in 2024.
In fact, there was a complete shift in the regional politics of South Asia with the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina Wajid from her office. Bangladesh has primarily shifted its policy of considering Pakistan a foe to a friend. Resultantly, Bangladesh and Pakistan, formerly East and West Pakistan, have mended their relations. There are joint military exercises, visits of government and private sector delegations and beginning of trade between both the countries after a gap of 50 years.
The evolving diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been a subject of considerable attention in South Asian geopolitics. As two key neighbors with a shared yet tumultuous history, their rapprochement holds significance not only for bilateral relations but also for the regional dynamics of South Asia. Given India’s strategic interests in the region, it is important to analyze New Delhi’s stance on increasing ties between Islamabad and Dhaka and the underlying reasons shaping its perspective. So, Why is India Upset with Strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations?
India’s Perspective on Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations
India’s approach to the strengthening of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations is shaped by a mix of historical legacies, strategic interests, regional stability concerns, and economic considerations. Frankly, India was opposed to healthy bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, It was an indication of undermining India’s security or strategic position in the region. Thus, New Delhi remains cautious about any development that might shift the regional balance of power or allow external influences—especially China—to gain a stronger foothold in South Asia.
1. Historical Legacy and India’s Role in Bangladesh’s Liberation
India played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971, both militarily and diplomatically. This has cemented strong ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, particularly under successive governments in Bangladesh that have recognized India’s contributions. The historical animosity between Bangladesh and Pakistan—stemming from the brutal suppression of the 1971 Liberation War—has often limited their diplomatic engagements. India has been projecting the role of Pakistani military in this war. However, it has always removed the role of its own agencies in 1971 India-Pakistan war. Well, as Pakistan and Bangladesh seek to move beyond historical grievances and improve ties, India views this with extreme apprehension.
2. Strategic and Security Concerns
One of India’s key concerns is that closer Bangladesh-Pakistan relations might be leveraged by external actors, particularly China, to counterbalance India’s regional influence. Pakistan and China share a strategic alliance, and any attempt by Pakistan to improve ties with Bangladesh could be seen as an effort to shift Dhaka’s foreign policy orientation.
From a security standpoint, India is also wary of any increased collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh in areas such as intelligence sharing, military cooperation, or political alignment within international forums. Given the history of allegation of cross-border militancy and Pakistan’s alleged support for freedom movements in Kashmir, India remains vigilant about the potential implications of closer ties between Islamabad and Dhaka.
3. Economic and Trade Considerations
India has actively worked to strengthen its economic and trade ties with Bangladesh, making Dhaka one of New Delhi’s largest trading partners in South Asia. The increasing trade volume and infrastructural connectivity projects, such as road and rail links, underscore India’s commitment to deepening economic integration. If Pakistan attempts to enhance trade and economic relations with Bangladesh, India might not necessarily view it as a direct threat, but it could be cautious about Pakistan using economic engagement as a gateway to political influence. To some extent, Indi has been using Bangladesh as its own colony. This new collaboration opens up new avenue between both the countries, often referred to as one nation.
4. Political Dynamics in Bangladesh
India’s stance on Bangladesh-Pakistan relations is also influenced by Bangladesh’s domestic politics. The ruling Awami League (AL), led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has historically maintained a pro-India stance and has been critical of Pakistan’s role in 1971. Hasina Wajid was ousted in August 2024 when she flew to India. Interestingly, Indian media blamed Pakistan & China for Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has a more critical view of India and a historically friendlier stance towards Pakistan, could use improving Pakistan ties as a counterbalance to India’s influence. If political shifts in Bangladesh lead to a government that prioritizes closer ties with Pakistan, India may become more concerned about the implications for regional security and diplomatic alignments.
5. Regional Stability and SAARC Diplomacy
India has been a proponent of regional cooperation through platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). However, SAARC has been largely ineffective due to political rivalries, particularly between India and Pakistan. If Bangladesh and Pakistan strengthen their ties within SAARC, it could alter regional dynamics, potentially challenging India’s leadership in the organization. However, if this engagement fosters regional stability and does not undermine India’s strategic position, India may not actively oppose such developments.
Why is India Upset with Strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations?
India’s stance on growing Pakistan-Bangladesh ties is characterized by strategic depth. While New Delhi is in no position to oppose bilateral engagement between its two South Asian neighbors, it remains vigilant about the broader geopolitical implications. India would likely be concerned if Bangladesh’s relations with Pakistan were used to diminish India’s influence in the region, increase security risks, or enable greater Chinese involvement in South Asia.
At the same time, India has been blocking inter South Asian region cooperation to exclude Pakistan. It views exclusion of Pakistan as a primary solution to benefit its long-term strategic and economic interests. If Bangladesh and Pakistan’s growing ties contribute to regional peace and development, India’s security and diplomatic positioning with be undermined. New Delhi may adopt a neutral or even supportive approach. However, India views this rapprochement against its interests. Thus, India’s response is a testament to evil role in separating Pakistan and Bangladesh.
