Will political uncertainty threaten India Bangladesh economic cooperation?

New interim govt in Dhaka may not want confrontation with New Delhi

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AJAYANTA GHOSAL mid chaos in Bangladesh, authorities led by the Army are making efforts to restore normalcy and smooth the path to a new interim government.

Indications from Dhaka suggest that the new regime will likely avoid a confrontational approach toward India.

As dramatic events unfolded rapidly amid widespread violent anti-government protests leading to Sheikh Hasina's fall and escape to India two days ago, New Delhi has maintained constant contact with the Bangladesh Army.

Following Bangladesh's assurance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that attacks on the Hindu minority would be controlled, the situation improved on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated in Parliament on Tuesday that India was in constant touch with the Bangladesh Army amid the volatile situation there.

The Bangladesh Army is also in contact with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

New Delhi is unlikely to take any steps that could jeopardise mutual cooperation between the two countries. Such actions could isolate India in Southeast Asian geopolitics, potentially benefiting China. While Sheikh Hasina was granted shelter in India, the Union government will facilitate the process of arranging political asylum for her abroad.