Dhaka-Delhi, enter the pragmatic phase

The arc of Bangladesh's recent political upheaval has come full circle. What began with 'India-friendly' Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024, has culminated in BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of former PM Khaleda Zia, taking oath as PM today. BNP winning 212 of 297 seats marks not just a transfer of power, but a strategic inflection point in Dhaka-New Delhi relations. Rahman's reported insistence on reaching out to India's leadership despite alleged resistance from outgoing chief adviser of the caretaker government Muhammad Yunus is a sign of maturity, as is his avoidance of referring to India when questioned about frayed bilateral ties. India must reciprocate with equal nuance.

The other positive take has been the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, punching above its weight during the interim phase, being limited to 68 seats. India must read the tea leaves and engage fruitfully with BNP and Rahman, who has, in the spirit of the times, articulated a 'Bangladesh First' policy premised on equidistance among regional powers. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy speaks of equal partnership. This can be made more proactive now. The 2001-06 BNP government - when Jamaat was a coalition partner and Rahman seen as a 'parallel' power centre - marked the lowest ebb in bilateral ties. This time, both sides have much to gain by keeping an even keel.

A genuine reset of relationship will require substance: progress on trade and investment, movement on Teesta waters, credible minority protection, curbs on Islamic radicalism and anti-India rhetoric, and stronger border management. Durable stability will depend on both sides choosing sustained pragmatism over short-termism and playing to the gallery. Rahman's tenure as PM could bring about that pragmatism.