Since the 1971 War of Independence, India & Bangladesh have enjoyed deep & abiding ties. However, recent political turmoil has complicated a relationship both culturally & strategically important for India.

Since the 1971 War of Independence, India & Bangladesh have enjoyed deep & abiding ties. However, recent political turmoil has complicated a relationship both culturally & strategically important for India. Key pillar for Neighbourhood for & Act East & Act Fast. 1. Geostrategic location - Bangladesh bridges mainland India and the Northeast, helping overcome limitation of Siliguri corridor. 2. Energy cooperation - cross border electricity trade & oil pipelines. 3. Economic trade - 314.01 billion in bilateral trade (2023-24). 4. Density further - cunky insugary & terrorism in Northeast. 5. Regional cooperation - BIMSTEC, Colombo density declaree, regional integration, BBIN, GAFF.

6. Cultural & people to people ties. Recent developments disrupting golden chapter: 1. Political turmoil - Awni India sentiment due to Awami league support by India. 2. Democratic backsliding - violence & law and order challenges. This could fuel illegal migration to India. 3. Rising influence of fundamentalist groups in politics eg. JeT ban lifted, medical leaders released from jail. 4. Insecurity ties with Pakistan - eg. defence orders, military level visits. 5. Agricultural trend away from secularism - eg. anti minority vote, protest by 30,000 men protesting against women's suicide (June 2025). 6. Structural issues - high unemployment, rising inflation. 7. Chinese influence & strategic diversification - Bangladesh's increasing infrastructure & defence cooperation with China concerning.