Neighbourhood

Bangladesh’s economic development has led to deeper Chinese investment in infrastructure, ports, defence, and industry, pulling it into China’s orbit. India must re-draw its Bangladesh strategy to counter growing Chinese influence in its neighbourhood.

India-Bangladesh relations, since 1971 have oscillated from a rarest success story from Hasina era to an overt turmoil under Yunus. Tarique Rahman’s election as Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister offers an optimistic yet cautious window for a reset. But given Rahman’s Bangladesh first policy, India must earn back its influence and not merely assume it.

Since February 2026, Bangladesh has transitioned from the Awami League’s electoral autocracy to BNP-led one-party dominance. The BNP’s landslide victory and the Awami League ban have concentrated power, sparking fears of a return to authoritarian rule.