[🇧🇩] Indo-Bangla Relation: India's Regional Ambition, Geopolitical Reality, and Strategic Options For Bangladesh

[Saif]

Govt may go to international court over ‘abnormally priced’ Adani Power deal

Energy minister says Dhaka is also considering discussions with Adani Power to amend the 2017 agreement

www.thedailystar.net

Govt may go to international court over ‘abnormally priced’ Adani Power deal

Energy minister says Dhaka is also considering discussions with Adani Power to amend the 2017 agreement

Star Online Report

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku today said that based on the national committee’s report, the government is actively considering approaching the international arbitration court regarding the power purchase agreement with India's Adani Power.

The government is also considering amending the power purchase agreement through discussions with Adani Power, the minister said while answering a question from Shahjahan Chowdhury MP in the parliament.

He asked whether the power purchase agreement signed with the Adani Group had been reported in the media as "unusually expensive" compared to domestic and international markets, or as contrary to national interest. "Is there any legal avenue at present to re-examine or amend this agreement in an international court or through diplomatic negotiations? If so, what steps has the government taken so far to re-evaluate this agreement?" -- asked Shahjahan Chowdhury.

In reply, the energy minister said that the power purchase agreement signed in 2017 has been reviewed by a national committee formed under the leadership of a retired Supreme Court judge during the interim government.

The committee included power and energy experts, legal experts, economists, and chartered accountants, and the committee took the opinion of a legal institution specialising in international contracts on the matter.

The national committee mentioned in its report that the agreement signed with Adani Power by the previous Awami League government was signed at an “abnormal price” compared to the domestic and international markets.

In light of the national committee's report, the government is actively considering approaching the international arbitration court regarding the agreement or amending the agreement in discussions with Adani Power, he said.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh seeks to ‘restart India ties’, discuss water-sharing deal on Khalilur’s visit

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit New Delhi en route to the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, aiming to revive strained bilateral relations The discussions will include the renewal of the Ganges water-sharing agreement, due to expire in December 2026. Officials describe Tuesday&rsqu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh seeks to ‘restart India ties’, discuss water-sharing deal on Khalilur’s visit

bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 06, 2026 23:50
Updated :
Apr 06, 2026 23:50

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit New Delhi en route to the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, aiming to revive strained bilateral relations

The discussions will include the renewal of the Ganges water-sharing agreement, due to expire in December 2026.

Officials describe Tuesday’s visit as a “courtesy trip” signalling goodwill, but it also carries strategic weight: both countries intend to agree on a roadmap for water cooperation, trade, border security, and future-oriented initiatives.

A senior foreign ministry official said on Monday, “It cannot be denied that after the July upheaval, relations stalled. Changes in Bangladesh were perhaps not immediately accepted in India. This visit is about restarting the relationship with mutual benefit in mind.”

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir added, “Detailed discussions will follow later. This is the opening move -- opening the channel of dialogue.”

Khalilur will meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Time permitting, he may also meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The visit precedes the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, organised by the India Foundation from Apr 10–12.

Officials emphasised that the objective is to determine the path for a renewed, forward-looking bilateral relationship under the “Bangladesh First” principle.

The agenda also includes the extradition of criminals residing in India, including those convicted or under trial in Bangladesh.

Officials expressed confidence that India would return those with alleged ties to the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Legal processes remain key, as some individuals entered India illegally.

Relations between the two countries became strained during the interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, with disputes over extradition requests, minority protection, media allegations, and border incidents.

In May 2025, India imposed trade restrictions on Bangladeshi garments and processed foods at land borders.

Ahead of Khalilur’s trip, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday, accompanied by Humaiun.

Humaiun said, “This visit conveys goodwill and opens the door to a positive bilateral relationship. Signals from both sides are clear. India has expressed interest in engaging with the elected government -- this is a clean break from the past.”

The Ganges water-sharing agreement, signed in 1996 for 30 years, is set to expire on Dec 12, 2026.

Technical and ministerial-level talks are ongoing through the Indo-Bangladesh Joint River Commission, which manages 54 rivers shared by both countries.

Officials said an Indian team is currently in Dhaka to inspect key sites, including Hardinge Bridge, as part of routine monitoring before follow-up meetings.​

 

[Saif]

What is expected from FM's Delhi visit

As Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman begins his visit to New Delhi, the symbolism is as significant as the substance. This is not just another round of bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India; it is a test of whether both countries are prepared to move beyond a difficult recent past and constru

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

What is expected from FM's Delhi visit

Mir Mostafizur Rahaman

Published :
Apr 07, 2026 01:51
Updated :
Apr 07, 2026 01:51

As Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman begins his visit to New Delhi, the symbolism is as significant as the substance. This is not just another round of bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India; it is a test of whether both countries are prepared to move beyond a difficult recent past and construct a more balanced, durable partnership.

For nearly a year and a half, Dhaka-Delhi relations were under severe strain. The post-election political transition in Bangladesh has opened a new chapter -- one marked by both opportunity and suspicion. In this context, the foreign minister's visit should be understood as an "advance guard," setting the tone for a potential reset before leadership-level engagement.

At its core, the visit is about restoring trust.

A central challenge facing both governments is the perception gap that has widened in recent years. Many in Bangladesh believe that India's support played a decisive role in sustaining the previous Awami League government through controversial elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024. Whether New Delhi accepts this characterisation or not, the sentiment is politically real -- and diplomatically consequential.

If this visit is to succeed, India must recognise that its future relationship with Bangladesh cannot be anchored in partisan preferences. A stable bilateral partnership requires engagement with the state, not with any single political force. For Dhaka, too, managing public expectations will be crucial; rhetoric must not outpace diplomatic pragmatism.

In that sense, the visit is less about resetting policy overnight and more about resetting tone.

Security cooperation has long been the backbone of India-Bangladesh ties. Over the years, Dhaka has demonstrated a consistent willingness to address New Delhi's concerns about insurgent groups operating along the border. That commitment must continue -- and be clearly reaffirmed.

At the same time, the issue of border killings remains deeply emotive in Bangladesh. Incidents involving India's border forces have repeatedly strained goodwill and undermined the narrative of partnership. A credible mechanism to reduce, if not eliminate, such incidents is essential.

The 4,096-kilometre border is not merely a line of control; it is a shared human space. Turning it into a zone of stability rather than tension will require both sides to move beyond security-centric thinking and incorporate humanitarian considerations.

For India, this means demonstrating restraint and accountability. For Bangladesh, it means continuing its zero-tolerance approach to cross-border militancy. Mutual reassurance -- not mutual suspicion -- must define the security agenda.

The timing of the visit is not incidental. Global uncertainties -- from conflicts in West Asia to disruptions in supply chains -- have made regional cooperation more urgent. The vulnerability of energy routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, underscores the need for alternative strategies.

Here, the Bay of Bengal emerges as a critical space for collaboration. Bangladesh and India have an opportunity to develop it into a stable corridor for trade, energy and connectivity. This will require coordinated investments in ports, shipping infrastructure and energy grids.

Connectivity, too, remains a key pillar. Expanding rail, road and river links can transform the economic geography of the region -- linking Bangladesh more deeply with India's northeast while opening Indian markets further to Bangladeshi goods. But connectivity must be a two-way street. Projects that are seen as disproportionately benefiting one side will struggle to gain public legitimacy.

Trade imbalances are another persistent concern. While bilateral trade has grown, it remains skewed. Addressing this will require more than tariff adjustments; it demands a broader effort to facilitate Bangladeshi exports and reduce non-tariff barriers.

No discussion of India-Bangladesh relations can avoid the issue of water sharing. Longstanding disputes -- most notably over the Teesta -- continue to cast a shadow over bilateral ties. Progress here has been elusive, often due to domestic political constraints within India.

Yet, without movement on water issues, the promise of a truly equitable partnership will remain incomplete. Water is not just a resource; it is a symbol of fairness and mutual respect.

One of the key expectations from this visit is that it will lay the groundwork for a future meeting between the top leaders of the two countries. For such a meeting to be meaningful, the preparatory work must be substantive.

This is where the role of India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval becomes crucial. Their discussions with Khalilur Rahman will need to move beyond generalities and address specific deliverables.

Diplomacy often operates in increments, but moments of transition demand clarity. Both sides must identify a set of achievable outcomes -- whether on trade facilitation, border management or energy cooperation -- that can demonstrate progress.

Underlying all these issues is a more fundamental question: what kind of relationship do India and Bangladesh want?

For India, Bangladesh is not just a neighbour; it is central to its "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East" policies. For Bangladesh, India is both an opportunity and a challenge -- a partner whose proximity is unavoidable but whose influence must be carefully managed.

A sustainable relationship will require a shift from hierarchy to partnership. This means recognising Bangladesh not as a junior partner but as a sovereign actor with its own strategic priorities.

It also means acknowledging that public opinion matters. In an era of heightened political awareness, bilateral relations cannot be insulated from domestic perceptions. Policies that ignore this reality are unlikely to endure.

While much of the focus is on India's role, Bangladesh, too, has responsibilities. It must clearly reassure India that its territory will not be used for activities that threaten Indian security. This has been a cornerstone of cooperation in the past and must remain so.

At the same time, Dhaka should articulate its expectations with clarity and consistency. Ambiguity may offer short-term flexibility, but it rarely produces long-term stability.

The goal should not be to renegotiate every aspect of the relationship, but to recalibrate it in a way that reflects current realities.

The visit of Khalilur Rahman is, ultimately, an opportunity. It offers both countries a chance to move beyond the constraints of the past and build a relationship based on mutual respect, equality and trust.

But opportunities are not self-executing. They require political will, diplomatic skill and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

For India, this may mean reconsidering policies that are perceived as one-sided. For Bangladesh, it may mean balancing domestic pressures with strategic necessity.

And finally, the zealots in both the countries must be prevented from using religion to brew up communal hatred for political dividends.

If handled well, this visit could mark the beginning of a more mature phase in Dhaka-Delhi relations -- one that is resilient enough to withstand political changes and flexible enough to adapt to a shifting global landscape.

If mishandled, it risks reinforcing the very mistrust it seeks to overcome.

The stakes, therefore, are high. What is expected from this visit is not a dramatic breakthrough, but something perhaps more valuable: a credible pathway towards a partnership that works -- for both sides, and for the region as a whole.​

 

[Bilal9]

26 Lakh Indians in Bangladesh’s Private Sector! Are We India's Slave State?​

Emran Emon

26 lakh Indians are holding highly paid jobs in Bangladesh whereas the graduates of Bangladesh, after finishing their higher education, are trying for jobs and do not get jobs despite having all the qualifications. Talented and qualified graduates of this country do not get jobs in their own country, but Indians are appointed into jobs in various sectors by 'influence'.

And when our talented graduates used to go around to different doors repeatedly for jobs, when all the doors were closed, then they had to drive rickshaws or sell tea and cigarettes on the streets. Many chose to commit suicide not being able to bear these burdens. There are many such instances. Our talented and qualified graduates were thwarted in their tactics and the Indians were inserted into those very places. And it was said that on our talented and qualified graduates, 'they do not have qualification'. So, what is the eligibility criteria? Despite being a foreigner, Indians within the country by what force control the country's job market?

Like the British, India has established another form of imperialism in Bangladesh, which can be called 'New-Imperialism'. Indians have been successfully inducted in all sectors of Bangladesh. However, every year the unemployed graduates of this country do not get jobs even if they wander around. According to the latest data of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), educated unemployed are 26 lakh 40 thousand in the country now.

How can 26 lakh Indians get highly paid jobs in a country whereas 26 lakh 40 thousand are educated unemployed? And they all get paid in dollars. Every year about 5 billion USD remittances are sending to India from Bangladesh. Bangladesh is India's fourth largest source of remittance income. Even though the name of Bangladesh is just on the papers, till now the country was completely controlled by India. Can another state control an independent and sovereign state like this? This is one of India's 'sinister motive' over Bangladesh.

There is no sector in which Indians have not been strategically inducted. But there is no place for Bangladeshis. Bangladeshis are like 'expatriate' in their own country. Just as the British enslaved the Bengalis for a long time, India also indulged in the game of enslaving us.

What message does the employment of 26 lakh Indians give us whereas 26 lakh 40 thousand unemployed graduates in the country? Such incident proves--how India's aggression in Bangladesh. The educated generation of Bangladesh is unemployed in their own country and Indians are getting jobs in this country with high-paying salary. Such incident proves--how fragile a state structure is!

The newly elected government has to remove 26 lakh Indians from the sector in which they are working on high-paying salary. And the talented and qualified graduates of the country should be placed in those places, who had to roam the streets with the title of 'educated unemployed' despite having all the qualifications. This is an example of how India has controlled Bangladesh for so long. In all such sectors, there is India's aggression in Bangladesh. Above all, everyone must be vocal to stop this Indian aggression.​

 

[Saif]

26 Lakh Indians in Bangladesh’s Private Sector! Are We India's Slave State?​

Emran Emon

26 lakh Indians are holding highly paid jobs in Bangladesh whereas the graduates of Bangladesh, after finishing their higher education, are trying for jobs and do not get jobs despite having all the qualifications. Talented and qualified graduates of this country do not get jobs in their own country, but Indians are appointed into jobs in various sectors by 'influence'.

And when our talented graduates used to go around to different doors repeatedly for jobs, when all the doors were closed, then they had to drive rickshaws or sell tea and cigarettes on the streets. Many chose to commit suicide not being able to bear these burdens. There are many such instances. Our talented and qualified graduates were thwarted in their tactics and the Indians were inserted into those very places. And it was said that on our talented and qualified graduates, 'they do not have qualification'. So, what is the eligibility criteria? Despite being a foreigner, Indians within the country by what force control the country's job market?

Like the British, India has established another form of imperialism in Bangladesh, which can be called 'New-Imperialism'. Indians have been successfully inducted in all sectors of Bangladesh. However, every year the unemployed graduates of this country do not get jobs even if they wander around. According to the latest data of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), educated unemployed are 26 lakh 40 thousand in the country now.

How can 26 lakh Indians get highly paid jobs in a country whereas 26 lakh 40 thousand are educated unemployed? And they all get paid in dollars. Every year about 5 billion USD remittances are sending to India from Bangladesh. Bangladesh is India's fourth largest source of remittance income. Even though the name of Bangladesh is just on the papers, till now the country was completely controlled by India. Can another state control an independent and sovereign state like this? This is one of India's 'sinister motive' over Bangladesh.

There is no sector in which Indians have not been strategically inducted. But there is no place for Bangladeshis. Bangladeshis are like 'expatriate' in their own country. Just as the British enslaved the Bengalis for a long time, India also indulged in the game of enslaving us.

What message does the employment of 26 lakh Indians give us whereas 26 lakh 40 thousand unemployed graduates in the country? Such incident proves--how India's aggression in Bangladesh. The educated generation of Bangladesh is unemployed in their own country and Indians are getting jobs in this country with high-paying salary. Such incident proves--how fragile a state structure is!

The newly elected government has to remove 26 lakh Indians from the sector in which they are working on high-paying salary. And the talented and qualified graduates of the country should be placed in those places, who had to roam the streets with the title of 'educated unemployed' despite having all the qualifications. This is an example of how India has controlled Bangladesh for so long. In all such sectors, there is India's aggression in Bangladesh. Above all, everyone must be vocal to stop this Indian aggression.​

Bangladeshi employers should be kicked in their a*ss for hiring so many Indians. The Indian government cannot provide jobs for their graduates and send them to Bangladesh for high paying jobs. India is sucking Bangladesh's blood through trade imbalance and through sending skilled and unskilled Indians to Bangladesh to occupy the local lucrative job market.

 

[Egyptian]

Bangladeshi employers should be kicked in their a*ss for hiring so many Indians. The Indian government cannot provide jobs for their graduates and send them to Bangladesh for high paying jobs. India is sucking Bangladesh's blood through trade imbalance and through sending skilled and unskilled Indians to Bangladesh to occupy the local lucrative job market.

@Krishna with Flute @Jiangnan

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladeshi employers should be kicked in their a*ss for hiring so many Indians. The Indian government cannot provide jobs for their graduates and send them to Bangladesh for high paying jobs. India is sucking Bangladesh's blood through trade imbalance and through sending skilled and unskilled Indians to Bangladesh to occupy the local lucrative job market.

If you see the situation in reverse - can you imagine bhai, educated Bangladeshis finding open employment in India? Would prejudiced Indians hire Bangladeshis at all?

Indian govt. is taking full advantage of,

a) Open-minded attitude of Bangladeshi employers (and people), and,

b) The let-live attitude of the Bangladeshi incumbent govt. which is (for reasons unknown, though not unfathomable) not enforcing local immigration restrictions.

There should be a huge uproar from all sections of Bangladeshi society about this.