A recent report indicates that China has moved ahead in becoming Bangladesh’s key economic and strategic partner amid a cooling of India-Bangladesh relations in recent months. As India’s influence in Dhaka declines, Beijing has intensified its engagement, pledging increased investment in major Bangladeshi projects and accelerating high-level visits and trade discussions.

Experts cited in the report suggest that Bangladesh’s economic challenges and infrastructure needs are driving it closer to Chinese investment. Meanwhile, unresolved connectivity and border issues with India have created discomfort among Bangladeshi policymakers, prompting them to give serious consideration to Beijing’s proposals.

This shift is seen as a major geopolitical challenge for India, whose “Neighborhood First” policy has long centered on Bangladesh. China’s growing involvement under its Belt and Road Initiative is now raising questions about India’s strategic dominance in the region, with analysts suggesting that Dhaka’s evolving foreign policy could alter South Asia’s power balance in the coming days.