Following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) sweeping victory in the 13th national election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and pledged support for a democratic and inclusive neighbor. Modi’s message, written in Bengali, struck a cautious and forward-looking tone, signaling New Delhi’s intent to rebuild ties strained since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in the 2024 student-led uprising and her subsequent exile in India.

Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply after India’s backing of Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule, compounded by disputes over border killings, water sharing, trade restrictions, and suspended transport links. Analysts cited in the report believe that rebuilding trust will require restraint and mutual cooperation. Historical tensions between India and BNP governments, including security and minority issues, still cast a shadow over current diplomacy.

Despite political uncertainty and Hasina’s continued presence in India, both nations remain bound by geography, trade, and security cooperation. Experts suggest that India, as the larger neighbor, should take the initiative to restore dialogue and stabilize bilateral relations.