Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated amid political upheaval in Dhaka and approaching elections in both countries, with tensions affecting diplomacy, trade, and sports.
The strain intensified after the 2024 removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had maintained close relations with New Delhi during her 15-year tenure.
Ms. Hasina was ousted following mass protests over alleged human rights abuses and later fled to India.
Bangladesh’s interim government and protest leaders have criticized India for refusing to extradite her to face legal proceedings at home.
India has raised objections to what it describes as hostile political statements in Bangladesh and incidents of violence against the country’s Hindu minority.
Last month, New Delhi suspended visa operations in the Bangladeshi city of Chattogram after protests targeted its diplomatic mission.
Bangladesh responded by pausing visa services for Indian citizens following demonstrations outside its mission in New Delhi.
The dispute expanded into sports after protests in India led cricket authorities to halt the participation of a Bangladeshi player in the Indian Premier League.
Bangladesh later announced it would not send its team to India for an upcoming Cricket World Cup and requested that its matches be moved to a neutral venue.
Domestic politics in both countries have contributed to the escalation, with nationalist rhetoric gaining prominence ahead of elections.
Bangladesh has scheduled parliamentary elections for February, with Ms. Hasina’s Awami League effectively barred from participating.
Several candidates have cited relations with India as a campaign issue.
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has faced challenges in restoring law and order following the collapse of the previous administration.
Indian officials have rejected requests from Dhaka to extradite Ms. Hasina or prevent her political allies from operating from Indian territory.
Indian media outlets aligned with the government have accused Bangladesh’s interim leadership of failing to control extremist elements.
Bangladeshi authorities have rejected the allegations, stating that recent attacks have affected multiple communities and accusing Indian media of spreading misinformation.
The issue has also gained political traction in India’s border states of West Bengal and Assam, which are expected to hold elections in the coming months.
Political leaders have staged protests calling for a tougher stance toward Bangladesh.
Despite heightened tensions, analysts say both governments are seeking to prevent a prolonged breakdown in relations.
Indian officials have maintained contacts with multiple Bangladeshi political parties as part of efforts to manage the relationship during the transition period.
Observers say the outcome of upcoming elections in both countries will play a significant role in shaping the future of bilateral ties.
