Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Balances Ties With Visits To India And China

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit New Delhi on June 21. This is her second trip to India in less than two weeks. She had earlier attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. This visit marks the first bilateral engagement by the Modi government in its third term.

Hasina will also travel to China on July 9. During her Delhi visit, she aims to balance ties with India and Bangladesh. The prime ministers of both countries will hold talks in Delhi. This will be Hasina's first foreign visit since her victory in the January general election.

Traditionally, leaders from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, and the Maldives make their first overseas trip to Delhi after elections. However, last year, Maldives President Mohamed Solih chose Turkey for his first foreign visit instead of India.

Reports suggest that Hasina waited for the Indian elections to end before making her first foreign trip. This was to avoid any misunderstandings in India-Bangladesh relations. Media reports say the talks between Hasina and Modi will focus on defence partnership, improving connectivity, and boosting economic ties.

The Economic Times reported that joint military exercises might be discussed during the meeting. India offered a $500-million line of credit to Bangladesh, which has not yet been used. This issue is likely to be discussed during the talks.

The leaders are also expected to review ongoing bilateral projects in highways, railways, and connectivity. Sources in the Bangladesh foreign ministry said that Modi might visit Bangladesh later this year and will receive a grand reception.

"Sheikh Hasina's Delhi visit was finalised at short notice," said sources from the Bangladesh High Commission and Indian foreign ministry. "Both leaders are keen on fast-tracking connectivity and trade," they added.

After her Delhi visit, Hasina will travel to Beijing from July 9-12. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said China wants to enhance investments in Bangladesh and strengthen bilateral relations. He added that China aims to help Bangladesh achieve its Vision 2041 goals.

India and Bangladesh have historically enjoyed close ties. India played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Relations have deepened under Modi and Hasina's leadership. The Awami League stated that during Modi's tenure, India-Bangladesh relations have reached an unprecedented level under Hasina's leadership.

"Under PM Modi and PM Sheikh Hasina, both countries have made significant progress in trade, connectivity, defence, and cultural exchanges," said the Awami League. They added that India has started investing heavily in Bangladesh.

Since coming to power in 2014, Modi's government has pursued a 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened considerably. While balancing its foreign policy between China and India, the Hasina government has made efforts to win Modi's trust.

The visit is significant as it comes shortly after the killing of a ruling party MP in Kolkata last month by Bangladeshi miscreants. This incident highlighted how illegal immigrants from Bangladesh infiltrate India and pose a security threat.

India has accused the Bangladesh government of facilitating Rohingya refugees' infiltration into India. The Rohingya have spread to different parts of West Bengal and other parts of the country.

Another important issue likely to be discussed is Hasina's recent allegations about a Western conspiracy to create a Christian state on the borders of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India without naming specific countries.

Hasina claimed there is a conspiracy to create "a Christian state like East Timor" in parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Although she did not name India, experts believe there is a serious Western conspiracy involved.

Her former media adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury told the Russian news agency Sputnik that "The PM doesn't speak without proper evidence." He added that she must have thought it through before making this statement.

Bangladeshi leaders allege that the US wants to create a military base to spy on India and is backing anti-government elements for this purpose. Reports suggest that Kuki-Chin rebels of Myanmar are getting support from the US.