The Trust Deficit in India–Bangladesh Relations

More than a hundred days after a new government led by Tarique Rahman took charge in Bangladesh, relations between India and Bangladesh remain strained, contrary to early hopes of a reset. The two neighbours share deep historical, cultural and economic ties, but recent years have seen a build-up of mistrust.

India made early diplomatic outreach to the new government, including a condolence visit by the External Affairs Minister and the delivery of an invitation from the Prime Minister, with senior Indian representatives attending the swearing-in ceremony. However, sections of the ruling party in Bangladesh feel that symbolic gestures alone are not enough.

Dhaka has sought the reversal of several restrictive steps taken during the earlier interim government's rule — such as restoring transhipment facilities for Bangladeshi goods, fully resuming visa services including business and medical visas, and easing market-access restrictions. So far, none of these measures has been rolled back, which Bangladesh views as a continuing irritant.

For exam preparation, India–Bangladesh ties are a core topic in India's neighbourhood policy. Key themes include connectivity and transhipment, water-sharing, border management, trade, and the importance of stable relations for India's 'Neighbourhood First' approach and north-eastern security.