Dr. Syed Zaved Md. Salehuddin: At present, India under the Modi government is experiencing a profound image crisis shaped by economic stress, social polarization, religious majoritarianism, human rights concerns, and increasing diplomatic pressure at the international level. Historically, governments with authoritarian tendencies often externalize internal crises by provoking tensions with neighboring states. Viewed through this lens, confrontational posturing toward Bangladesh appears increasingly inevitable as a political strategy aimed at diverting attention from domestic challenges and reinvigorating nationalist sentiment.

By amplifying border tensions, diplomatic pressure, or military rhetoric against Bangladesh, India may seek to project strength while simultaneously advancing a narrative of Bangladesh as unstable or susceptible to extremism. Such narratives risk undermining Bangladesh’s democratic credentials and legitimizing external interference. Parallel efforts to rehabilitate Bangladesh’s former authoritarian leadership, weaken the morale of its armed forces, and promote political realignments favorable to Indian strategic interests further compound these concerns.

Under the shadow of potential conflict, strategic regions such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Chicken’s Neck corridor, and the Feni area acquire renewed geopolitical significance. There is a credible risk that conflict dynamics could be used to push controversial arrangements, including access to Chattogram Port for India’s eastern states—moves that would have long-term implications for Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
For Bangladesh, the imperative is clear: avoid provocation while strengthening a balanced, multi-vector foreign policy. Constructive engagement with China, Türkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the United Nations is essential. Recent frictions with Washington over defense procurement should be resolved through pragmatic diplomacy and recalibrated cooperation.
Equally important is outreach to India’s opposition parties, civil society, and Bengali-speaking communities to communicate Bangladesh’s commitment to peace and stability. Countering anti-Bangladesh propaganda in segments of Indian media requires a coordinated response from the Bangladeshi diaspora worldwide. Ultimately, restraint, strategic diplomacy, and national unity remain Bangladesh’s strongest safeguards amid South Asia’s evolving geopolitical volatility.
References:-
1. Stephen P. Cohen, India: Emerging Power, Brookings Institution Press.

2. C. Raja Mohan, Crossing the Rubicon: The Shaping of India’s New Foreign Policy, Penguin India.

3. Sreeradha Datta (ed.), Bangladesh–India Relations: Problems and Prospects, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).

4. International Crisis Group, South Asia Briefings on India–Bangladesh relations.

5. The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Daily Star — editorials and analytical articles on South Asian geopolitics.

Author: Dr. Syed Zaved Md. Salehuddin, Advocate Supreme Court and Political Analyst