Pragmatic diplomacy: Does Jaishankar's visit signal reset in Bangladesh-India relations?

After over a year of hostilities, the ice between Bangladesh and India may finally be thawing.

According to diplomatic and security experts, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's attendance of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's funeral is a sign of broader engagement and a more realistic diplomatic approach towards Bangladesh.

Jaishankar handed over a personal letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman, BNP Acting Chairman and Khaleda Zia's son, on Wednesday.

Bangladesh has also made it clear in recent months that as a neighbouring country, it seeks relations with India based on mutual respect and dignity, the experts add.

M Humayun Kabir, a veteran Bangladeshi diplomat and former ambassador to the US and Nepal, as well as former high commissioner to Australia, says, "In the context of Bangladesh's changing political reality and the upcoming national election, India is now following a more realistic and pragmatic diplomatic policy. 

"Considering who may gain political ground, India is increasing its engagement with different political parties, including the BNP," he adds.

Kabir, also the president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, says that media reports have  revealed meetings between Indian diplomats and Jamaat leaders, which indicates India's intention to expand its engagement with Bangladesh.

Due to geographical proximity and multidimensional interdependence between both countries, there is no alternative to realism for both sides, he further says. 

Regardless of political differences on the ground, state-to-state relations are driven by pragmatic considerations, Kabir adds.

According to the former diplomat, Bangladesh's political parties, including the BNP, are also recognising this reality and are moving towards a more pragmatic and positive stance in relations with India. 

Recent developments provide early indications of this shift.

Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), says, "The recent visit carries a positive message and could create new opportunities to improve relations between the two countries. There is also a possibility that this positive momentum will continue in BNP–India relations."

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday described the presence of South Asian leaders as a "positive gesture" towards Khaleda, noting that she earned respect and dignity among people at home and across South Asia.

Asked about his conversation with Jaishankar, Hossain said, "We did not have any one-to-one meeting. That scope was not there, as other dignitaries were present. It was a matter of courtesy. No bilateral issues were discussed."

Relations must be based on mutual respect and equity

Regarding the current trajectory of BNP–India relations, Major General Muniruzzaman says, "The foundation of Bangladesh–India relations should be mutual respect, equity and good neighbourliness."

He adds that in the changing regional and political context, Bangladesh-India relations are likely to move in a more realistic and constructive direction, where state interests will take precedence over party politics.

Humayun Kabir says that moving forward by accepting existing realities and building relations based on mutual respect and equal dignity is the most rational path for both countries.

He adds that although India previously had close ties with the Awami League, it cannot be ruled out that India may shift from that position if necessary in the current reality. 

This is because a new generation and new political trends are emerging, which will become clearer through the upcoming election, he further says.