- By Raju Kumar
- Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:06 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India-Bangladesh Relations: A report titled "Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship" by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, was presented in Parliament on Thursday, underlining the need of cautiously handling the emerging situation in the neighbouring country. The parliamentary panel on external affairs asserted that the current situation in Bangladesh poses the "greatest strategic challenge" for New Delhi since the Liberation war of 1971.
The panel also emphasised India needs to be careful in handling evolving situation in Bangladesh. Tharoor-led panel also flagged Chinese and Pakistani's influence" in the neighbouring country.
The panel selected the subject, "Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship", for a detailed examination during 2024-25 and 2025-26. Briefing by the representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the subject was held on December 11, 2024, the report said. Thereafter, the panel took evidence of the MEA representatives on March 26 and August 4 this year, it said.
"Further, the Committee heard the views of four experts on the subject, namely, Shri Shiv Shankar Menon (former National Security Advisor), Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Ms Riva Ganguly (former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs) and Dr Amitabh Mattoo (Dean and Professor, School of International Studies, JNU) on 27 June, 2025 in accordance with Rule 331(L) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha," the report said.
The report was considered and adopted by the committee at its sitting held on December 16.
India and Bangladesh share a "deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship", shaped by historical, cultural, geographical and strategic factors. The bilateral ties, which began with India's crucial role in Bangladesh's liberation in 1971, have evolved into a "strong and comprehensive partnership", the report said.
Guided By Country's Civilisational Ethos: Panel On Hasina's Stay In India
The panel has noted the stay of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India, while asserting that the country's approach in this regard is guided by its "civilisational ethos" and "humanitarian tradition" of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or an existential threat.
Panel's Recommendation On India-Bangladesh's Ties
The committee has recommended that the government should "continue to uphold its principled and humanitarian approach", consistent with India's values and international responsibilities, while ensuring that such situations are "managed with due sensitivity".
"The Committee note that the stay of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, in the country and India's approach in this regard is guided by its civilisational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or existential threat," the report said.
Hasina has been living in India since she was deposed as the prime minister of Bangladesh on August 5 last year, following massive violent protests in the neighbouring country.
What Panel Said On Hasina's Extradition Appeal
The committee, in its report, further said it has "taken note" of the Bangladesh government's extradition request following the pronouncement of the death sentence on Hasina in absentia and urged "the government to keep the Committee apprised of its consideration of the matter".
The panel said it has also been informed that the government of India "do not provide her with a political platform or any space to undertake political activity from Indian territory".
(With PTI inputs)