Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh Mohammad Yunus
Recent attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh have caused concern in India. What measures can India, which has always valued its historical and cultural ties with Bangladesh, take to deal with this situation? The day before, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded strongly and called on the interim government of Bangladesh to take appropriate measures.
TV9 reporters interviewed many people from the Indian government about this. All of them agree that India has many options. However, the Indian government is avoiding their use as it could have a direct impact on ordinary Bangladeshi people, who are already facing uncertainty and insecurity since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024.
What does India supply to Bangladesh?
Bangladesh’s economy and daily life depend heavily on goods imported from India. These mainly include:
1. Fuel and energy: India supplies petroleum products and electricity to Bangladesh. Industry and electricity production there could grind to a halt due to resource shortages.
2. Textile industry raw materials: Bangladesh’s textile industry is the mainstay of its economy and depends on cotton and yarn from India.
3- Food and agricultural products: India exports large quantities of food products such as rice, wheat and pulses to Bangladesh.
4. Medical supplies: Bangladeshi hospitals depend on Indian medicines and medical equipment.
5. Vehicles and construction materials: Materials such as automobiles, cement and steel are also supplied to Bangladesh from India.
If India decides to stop these supplies, not only Bangladesh’s industries may shut down, but the lives of ordinary people will also become difficult.
Why is India reluctant to take drastic measures?
India has trade and diplomatic options, but the current government wants to ensure that ordinary citizens of Bangladesh, including the Muslim community, do not face any problems.
1. Humanitarian thinking: India understands its responsibility towards the people of Bangladesh. Any drastic move could affect ordinary people, who already face insecurity and hardship due to political instability.
2. Do not promote fundamentalists: Taking drastic measures could give Bangladeshi fundamentalist groups an opportunity to accuse India of wrongdoings, which could worsen the situation.
3. The importance of regional stability: India advocates maintaining regional stability and hopes to take any measures to avoid exacerbating tensions in South Asia.
What options does India have?
1. Diplomatic pressure: India can hold high-level talks with the Bangladesh government. Under this, measures can be focused on ensuring the safety of the Hindu community.
2. Raise issues on international platforms: India can raise this issue at the United Nations or other international forums to put pressure on Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minority communities.
3. Humanitarian assistance: India can initiate a direct humanitarian aid program for Hindus in Bangladesh. This help can be in the form of food, medicine and shelter.
4. Monitor radical groups: India can step up surveillance of militant groups in Bangladesh and exert diplomatic pressure on them to thwart their anti-India agenda.
5. Strengthen cultural and religious ties: India can organize cultural and religious programs in Bangladesh to promote brotherhood between Hindu and Muslim communities.
6. Economic signals: India can send a signal to Bangladesh that its economy depends on trade with India. However, India can impose temporary conditions on certain industries instead of halting trade. India’s approach reflects its humanitarian and regional responsibilities, which will not only ensure peace in Bangladesh but also further enhance India’s credibility.
