India has now shown it will work with whichever government is in power

Illustration: TBS

The meeting between Chief Adviser Yunus and Prime Minister Modi is the beginning of ice-breaking. India has not been able to face the reality on the ground in Bangladesh up until now. India is used to being in control with us. They have been creating the narratives surrounding our country and our relationship to them for many years now. It has been about eight months since the fall of Hasina's regime and the swearing-in of the interim government, so they have finally started accepting this reality.

This was the right time for India to start mending relations because of the convenient location and the context of the current situation. Thailand is a neutral ground, and India has a lot to talk about with Bangladesh regarding matters such as our increased involvement with Pakistan. So, they were looking for the right time to hold discussions. 

It is also important to note that India felt left out because of China. Yunus has made it known to the public that he has reached out to India several times, before going to China. Consider that China, much like India, also had a good relationship with Hasina's regime, with heavy investments. But unlike India, China had no issues with working with the interim government, due to their stance of non-interference. This was unexpected to India.

As for the topics discussed, it is great that Dr Yunus brought forward the topic of Hasina's extradition, as it shows he is willing to commit. But we do not yet know how much to expect from this because we do not know how long Dr Yunus will stay in government. Additionally, giving shelter to Hasina and other murderers responsible for the July massacre is a bargaining tool for India. It is important to underpin the fact that they can use the people they are harbouring to negotiate with Bangladesh later.

However, what is of paramount importance is that India has started to engage with the current government. This represents a major shift in their foreign policy and also puts Awami League in an awkward position. I think they may still somewhat bolster Awami League for now as a strategy, but this shows that they will now work with whichever government is in power.

Dr. Mubashar Hasan is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Oslo.

TBS' Alhan Arsal spoke to Dr Mubashar Hasan over the phone.