Abstract
China-Bangladesh relations have always been close. In the aftermath of the ouster of Sheikh Hasina after the July-August 2024 uprisings led by students, this warm relationship found a renewed vigour. Even as China moved closer to Bangladesh, India appeared to have drifted away. Anti-India sentiment, fueled and propagated by the Islamist parties of Bangladesh led to violent demonstrations against India. Understandably, India was forced to suspend some of its developmental and other activities. China sensed an opportunity and in pursuance of its objective to contain India
within the South Asian region, it tried to quickly fill in the void created by India distancing itself. It appears to be succeeding. Pakistan, not to be left behind, is fishing in troubled waters. India should be concerned. India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh, a border that is porous and can be exploited by elements inimical to India’s security interests. It is in India’s longterm interest to maintain close, cordial, and collaborative relationship with Bangladesh, built on mutual respect and mutual sensitivity. The paper, having identified the threat posed by Chinese activities in Bangladesh, offers some options for India.
