India should find new friends in the new Bangladesh

Illustration: TBS

This meeting is undoubtedly positive. I think it was expected. Because it is not possible for either country to change its neighbours.

I have doubts whether this meeting can be called a 'success' right now. Similarly, I am not willing to call this meeting a 'failure'. But after several months of cold bilateral relations, this meeting is undoubtedly positive. The two leaders have spoken, they have conveyed each other's concerns — this makes me optimistic. I hope this is an important starting point in normalising relations between the two countries.

The Indian foreign secretary has already made a statement on this issue. He said that Prime Minister Modi has expressed his concern about the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. There are certainly real reasons for expressing this concern. But the situation of minorities in India is also deplorable. We are seeing it in the Waqf issue.

Unfortunately, most of the mainstream Indian media is doing the opposite instead of de-escalating tensions. But I am optimistic that the situation will improve soon. Relations between the two countries will improve. Especially people-to-people relations will be closer.

Relations between India and Bangladesh should be based on equality. Just as illegal border crossing is condemnable, it is important to stop indiscriminate border killings. It is necessary to ensure that both countries get their fair share of water. Neither India nor Bangladesh should interfere in the internal politics of the other.

Thousands of Awami League leaders and workers are currently in India. The fugitive Sheikh Hasina is in India. I think India should shake off this huge burden. Sheikh Hasina is a citizen of Bangladesh. India has no reason to worry about her. India should find several new friends in the new Bangladesh.

Arka Bhaduri is an Indian journalist and political analyst.

TBS' Alhan Arsal spoke to Arka Bhaduri over the phone.