How Bangladesh-India Relations Performed Under Sheikh Hasina?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina worked relentlessly in last few years in pushing the relations between the two nations. It was reflected when New Delhi decided to host Sheikh Hasina for the first state visit by a foreign leader when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath for third-term. The relation between New Delhi and Dhaka grew stronger over the years as both the PMs met nearly 10 times in the past year only. Recently, Modi and Hasina sought to overhaul ties between the two nations which was marked as a "golden chapter" in the history of bilateral ties.

India and Bangladesh also decided to emphasise on agendas including easing of visa procedures, cross-border energy and electricity flow, building of digital bridges, and freer movement of goods, among others.

Earlier this year in January, PM Sheikh Hasina retained power in Bangladesh for a record fourth straight term after her party the Awami League obtained two-thirds of the seats in the January 7 national polls. However, the elections witnessed only 40% voter turnout, Opposition's boycott along with sporadic incidents of violence.

The close-knit ties between the two countries reflected when PM Narendra Modi turned out to be the first world leader to congratulate Sheikh Hasina after poll results were announced and the Bangladesh Premier too expressed her gratitude when she called India a "trusted friend".

India always considered Bangladesh as a crucial ally to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

India also benefitted significantly from the victories of Awami League in the wake of Opposition leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia's open criticism of Hasina government's positive ties with New Delhi.

However, New Delhi in the last few months was treading cautiously amid soaring concerns of unfair election, Bangladesh's tense relationship with US, and rising alignment with Beijing.

Earlier this year in July, Sheikh Hasina visited China but came back to Dhaka a day earlier as she was reportedly unhappy over Beijing's financial support of $100 million as against the initial promised amount of $5 billion to Dhaka.

It will interesting to see how the relations between India and Bangladesh evolve in the coming days after Reuters report claimed that Hasina has reportedly resigned after recent protests over job quota reforms in the country that claimed the lives of nearly 300 people.

Commenting on how the ongoing clashed will benefit India's textile and garment sector, Vikram Kasat - Head of Advisory at PL Capital - Prabhudas Lilladher, "The turmoil in Bangladesh is indeed worrying. While we hope for an amicable resolution of the quota issue between the government and students, we are concerned about the Indian corporates operating in Bangladesh. 🇮🇳 Some of the notable names that come to mind are VIP, Emami, Marico, Dabur, Asian Paints, Pidilite, Tata Motors, and Hero MotoCorp, all of whom have significant operations there. This unrest will undoubtedly damage the country's brand value in the eyes of US and European manufacturers, who often give Bangladesh preference. Consequently, the garments and textile sector in India may gain an advantage due to these ongoing protests and clashes."

According to Reuters, Sheikh Hasina is expected to land in India today. News agency AFP claimed that Hasina and her sister have left Gono Bhaban, her official residence.

As per Daily Star newspaper, at least six people were killed in clashes between police and protesters in the Jatrabari and Dhaka Medical College areas on Monday.