Hasina's death sentence: India's new challenge in South Asian diplomacy

Dr Satyawan Saurabh
Contd from previous isse
China-Bangladesh relations have long been a concern for India. China has expanded its influence in Bangladesh through large infrastructure projects, maritime agreements, and strategic locations. If India-Bangladesh relations weaken during times of political instability, it could provide a major opportunity for China.
Therefore, India must avoid any situation where its neutrality or sympathy for Hasina is perceived by the new Bangladeshi regime as anti-India or a disadvantage to itself.  This poses a purely strategic challenge for India: it must simultaneously support democracy and judicial impartiality while simultaneously protecting its regional competition and strategic interests.
The policies of countries like the United States and Pakistan also complicate this development.
(To be contd)