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India and Bangladesh have faced turbulent relations in recent years. The current government led by Tarique Rahman, the son of former military dictator Zia Rahman, is under pressure due to worsening economic conditions, including shortages of electricity, cooking gas, and fuel. The two countries share a 4,096 km border and have longstanding issues such as water sharing and illegal immigration.

Former Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty discussed the relationship and challenges in an interview with The Indian Express.

The new BNP government in Bangladesh is a diverse coalition of business lobbies, pro-Pakistan lobbies, and Jamaat-e-Islami lobbies, with some members hoping for good relations with India. However, anti-Indian sentiment within the party prevented Rahman from visiting India for the BRICS summit. India does not wish to replace Bangladesh but cannot ignore the relationship due to shared civilizational heritage, significant trade, and connectivity.

India's approach towards Bangladeshi governments has been consistent, dealing with whichever government is in power. India will continue to maintain normal relations with Bangladesh, including people-to-people exchanges and business-to-business connections. Sheikh Hasina is important to India due to the good relationship during her previous government and the shared history of civilizational ties.

Hasina's August 5 address raised concerns for the Indian government, as some lobbies in Bangladesh demand her extradition. India will not interfere with the judicial process but wants to know what Bangladesh plans to do with Hasina if she returns to the country. The recent address may complicate the timeline for Rahman's visit to India.

Despite the challenges, repairing ties between India and Bangladesh is possible. India has made several overtures, and it is now up to Dhaka to decide whether to maintain a low-key relationship or continue its current trajectory. India's primary concern is Bangladesh's security and strategic stability, as the country has a history of Islamist extremism, which could potentially spill over into India, benefiting Pakistan.