India-Bangladesh Relations: Positive Trends December 2025

Some Positive Trends in India Bangladesh Relations in November - December 2025 are summarised as given below-

The visit of Bangladesh's National Security Adviser, Khalilur Rahman to New Delhi for the Colombo Security Conclave in November.

Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the health of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, extending India's support and wishing her a quick recovery. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh's public life for many years." "Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support in whatever way we can," he added.

At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit [HTLS] held recently in New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responding to a question said, that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India is her personal decision influenced by the circumstances that led her to the country. " She came here in a certain circumstance," said, adding "But again, that is something in which she has to make up her mind."

“As far as we are concerned, we wish Bangladesh well. We think as a democratic country, any democratic country likes to see the will of the people ascertained through a democratic process," Jaishankar said at the HTLS. "And I am quite confident that whatever comes out of the democratic process would have a balanced and mature view about the relationship, and hopefully things would improve."

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain accepting that Bangladesh has formally requested India to return Sheikh Hasina, describing her as a "convicted fugitive sentenced by the highest court of Bangladesh," and is awaiting a response from India but added, "Sensitive matters like this cannot be resolved quickly. We are closely observing what kind of reaction India provides," speaking to journalists at the Rangpur Circuit House recently

In another development, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said India seeks a stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, based on equality and mutual respect, with the people of both countries as the primary stakeholders during a celebration marking the 54th anniversary of the Maitri Diwas-2025 at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka today.

His counterpart in India was also positive indicating that Bangladesh is trying to shape a "new canvas" in its relations with India, where both countries share a common future. High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah said, "It is easier said than done, but it is possible. We have divergent views and sensitive issues, but that is the nature of our relationship. “Focusing on only one aspect would not do justice," at an interactive session organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kolkata. "I qualify this as mutual interdependence," he said. Dhaka is focusing more on cultural diplomacy, tourism facilitation, and broader economic integration.

In fact, India Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on November 30 in an interaction said he continues to view Bangladesh as a friend and expects the current turbulence in the neighbouring country to turn around. He would "still not describe Bangladesh as anything other than a friend", adding that the present phase appeared "temporary and transitory". He noted that defence engagement between the two countries continues. "We are training their personnel here. I met a Bangladeshi cadet who passed out of the NDA this morning. After taking charge, my first overseas visit was meant to be Bangladesh. There was another option of a more high-profile capital, but I insisted on going to Bangladesh first. 

On December 09, the Ministry of External Affairs in a press release said, "The two governments successfully concluded the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen, along with their operable vessel today (December 9, 2025). In January 2025, the Government of India had facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen, and in a reciprocal manner released 90 Bangladesh fishermen".

More Tangible Developments Awaited For Positive Trending

Despite these positive developments, the likely trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations post elections is uncertain and challenging, a shift from the "golden chapter" enjoyed under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Relations have cooled, marked by diplomatic friction, trade disruptions, and Bangladesh's pivot toward China and Pakistan.

The future path will largely depend on the outcome of the general elections expected in early 2026. Post elections in February 2026, if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or Jamaat comes to power, India-Bangladesh relations could be strained, a shift from the strong ties enjoyed under the previous Awami League government. However, reality may deem it necessary for the party in power to sustain engagement with Delhi.

Despite current tensions, both countries share deep historical, cultural, and geographical ties that necessitate cooperation. Areas like energy cooperation may continue to serve as functional, mutually beneficial pathways.

India too will have to accept the reality that the Awami League, despite having its support base intact, will not be able to return to the mainstream in the near term, as it is banned at

least in the forthcoming polls; thus, working with alternative players is inevitable.

New Delhi is employing a cautious approach, focusing on diplomatic engagement, continuing humanitarian and development support, and leveraging sub-national diplomacy with states like West Bengal and Tripura to maintain people-to-people connections and functional links. Bangladesh's new multipolar foreign policy means India will need to adapt its strategies to a more assertive and diversified Dhaka, rather than relying on a single political party for an "ally".