What is the alternative for Hasina in India?

After the Biden administration expressed its active concern regarding Bangladesh, Delhi has become restless. The Modi government in India wants to see Hasina as the winner in the 2024 elections for the sake of India’s national security and the interests of the northeastern region. India believes that Khaleda Zia’s rule had an influence from Pakistan.

It is believed that Bangladesh’s situation has put the United States and India in a conflicting position. Delhi sees no alternative to Sheikh Hasina at the moment. Due to the firm position of the United States on Bangladesh, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Security Coordination Secretariat, and even Prime Minister Modi’s office have shown concern. According to the Indian media, due to Washington’s tough stance, the work of India’s External Affairs Minister Jayshankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has become difficult. Analysts in Delhi believe that the Biden administration’s excessive pressure may make Sheikh Hasina’s government dependent on China. This could lead to China gaining influence in the northeastern region of India.

The news about Bangladesh’s importance to India in the face of US pressure has been highlighted by India’s widely circulated daily, Anandabazar Patrika. Now, Delhi will be more proactive in keeping Washington happy in changed circumstances. And this could happen during Narendra Modi’s US visit.

Looking at recent events, it can be understood how good the relationship between America and India is. Despite Narendra Modi’s multiple visits to the United States, he is now coming on a state visit. From June 21 to June 24, Narendra Modi will be on a four-day visit to the United States. On June 22, there will be a meeting between Biden and Modi at the White House. Modi will receive some benefits of hospitality on this visit that he has never received before. India has also praised Bangladesh before this visit. As a result, the Biden administration hopes that they will not be able to criticize Hasina’s government.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina will visit Delhi at the right time, just before Bangladesh’s elections, that is, in September, to join the G20 summit. Although Bangladesh is not a member of the G20, India has invited Bangladesh as the only country in South Asia. And for this reason, Delhi has given all the demands in Bangladesh’s wish-list. If anything remains, it will be minor issues and part of the bilateral process. According to sources, permission to use Chittagong and Mongla ports has become possible, something that Bangladeshis could not have imagined ten or twelve years ago. But now it is possible. In this situation, India wants to be with the Awami League government of Bangladesh in a diplomatic manner in response to the pressure created by America and the West regarding the upcoming election in the country. Therefore, Bangladesh is keeping a close eye on the Biden-Modi meeting.

Next month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Washington. On this visit, the government of the friendly neighboring country, Bangladesh, is looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations…