Diplomatic Correspondent :
Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India have become increasingly strained, with Bangladesh summoning the Indian High Commissioner over border issues, and India responding by summoning Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner.
The tensions escalated after Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Sunday to express serious concern over the construction of border fencing at five locations, allegedly in violation of international laws.
In a reciprocal move, the Indian government summoned Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, Nurul Islam, on Monday. Indian news agency ANI shared a video on its X handle, stating, “Nurul Islam leaves South Block after being summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs.”
Amid these tensions, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the bilateral situation at an annual press conference in Delhi. Responding to a question, he remarked, “We will discuss relations when there is an elected government in Bangladesh.”
On the military relationship between the two nations, General Dwivedi stated, “The relationship between our armies remains strong and stable. Any animosity would not serve the interests of either country.”
He added that military cooperation continues, with ongoing communication between military leaders. However, joint exercises have been postponed due to the current situation, with plans to resume them once conditions improve.
Relations between the two neighbours have been under strain since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising in August 2024. Sheikh Hasina is reportedly residing in Delhi.
Tensions further escalated after the vandalism of Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, and the arrest of an ISKCON member on sedition charges.
In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma, issuing a formal protest and citing violations of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Following the incident, Bangladesh’s mission in Agartala suspended all visa and consular services indefinitely, citing security concerns.
High Commissioner Verma assured that security for Bangladeshi missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala had been enhanced by Indian authorities.
Recently, the Foreign Ministry again summoned Verma to protest over border killings and fencing activities.
Such repeated summoning of the Indian High Commissioner within a month marks a significant departure from the past 15 years during Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
These developments come against a backdrop of shifting foreign relations under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has prioritised sovereignty and territorial integrity. This recalibration has led to increased friction with India, traditionally a close ally during Hasina’s tenure.
A further source of tension is Bangladesh’s formal request for India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who faces multiple criminal charges, including culpable homicide. India has not yet responded to this request, leaving the matter unresolved.
