Just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit on February 12, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel products, effective this week. This move could severely impact India’s $3 billion steel exports to the U.S. and is seen as a diplomatic challenge for Modi. Previously, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and announced similar tariffs on Canada and Mexico, though the latter was temporarily postponed. Experts view this as a significant shift in U.S. trade policy.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will meet on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference 2025, scheduled for February 16-17 in Oman. Dhaka is expected to convey a strong message urging India to refrain from any actions that could destabilize bilateral relations. The Bangladeshi delegation will also warn against using Sheikh Hasina’s political influence to create internal unrest. The meeting invitation was extended by India’s foreign ministry last month, following their last bilateral discussion in the United States.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha acknowledged India’s dependence on Bangladesh, stating that both nations need each other. Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, he highlighted completed but stalled projects like the Maitri Bridge and the Agartala-Akhaura rail link. Recent tensions, including attacks on Bangladesh’s consular office in Tripura, led to a diplomatic strain. However, Saha expressed hope that once conditions stabilize, these projects will resume, stressing that Bangladesh, too, cannot function without India’s support.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed India’s statement regarding the vandalism and arson attack at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence on Dhanmondi 32 as “unwanted” and an interference in the country’s internal affairs. The ministry’s spokesperson, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, stated that Bangladesh does not expect such remarks from India. He also pointed out that the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political statements from India are not being well received by the people of Bangladesh. The government has already clarified its position regarding the unrest that followed her speech on February 5.

China has raised objections regarding maps and information in Bangladesh’s primary and secondary school textbooks, as well as on the Survey Department’s website. Beijing claims that Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin are incorrectly marked as part of India instead of being recognized as Zangnan and Aksai Chin, which China asserts as its own territories. Additionally, China has sent a letter to Bangladesh addressing concerns over the depiction of Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate entities in trade data rather than as part of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has stated that these concerns will be taken into account next year, as the printing of this year’s textbooks is nearly complete. However, the border dispute between India and China remains unresolved, with both nations laying claim to these territories.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Hasan Mahmood Khan has left for an official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to a press release issued on February 8. The ISPR reported that he will visit Saudi Arabia from February 9-13 at the invitation of the Royal Saudi Air Force, where he will inspect facilities and discuss bilateral interests. Following this, he will visit the UAE on February 14-15 at the invitation of the UAE Embassy to engage in similar discussions and site visits.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Bangladesh's foreign affairs advisor emphasized maintaining strong relations with India, China, and the United States. He highlighted the economic ties between India and China and India's alliance with the US while reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy. He also mentioned Dr. Yunus’ role in fostering international confidence in Bangladesh’s trajectory. When asked about the government's achievements over the past six months, he asserted that the country is progressing correctly in both economic and political spheres. Addressing past tensions with Pakistan, he noted that they were politically motivated and unnecessary, and efforts are being made to normalize relations. Acknowledging complexities surrounding Hasina’s asylum in India, the advisor stated that Bangladesh aims to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with all nations. Talks with China have focused on trade and development, while relations with the US remain unchanged.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks were made in her personal capacity and do not align with India’s official stance. He made this clarification following the summoning of the Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh on February 7. Jaiswal reaffirmed that India seeks a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. However, he expressed disappointment that official statements from Bangladeshi authorities often portray India in a negative light. He emphasized that Hasina’s statements were made in her individual capacity and do not represent India’s role in bilateral relations.

India is yet to decide on Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to a written response by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Lok Sabha. Bangladesh has accused Hasina of various crimes committed before leaving the country. The Bangladeshi government is reportedly seeking her trial under the International Crimes Tribunal, which is investigating human rights violations during her tenure. There have been widespread allegations of crimes against humanity against Hasina, her family, and her party. Arrest warrants have been issued for 45 individuals, including Hasina. In response, Bangladesh formally requested her extradition from India.

On August 5, in the face of a student uprising, Sheikh Hasina, who had fled the country, gave a speech to the student wing of the Awami League. In response, enraged student protesters attacked and vandalized the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a place full of historical significance, on the night of February 5. This week, after Advisor Sheikh Hasina remarked that India should take responsibility if she engages in politics from its soil, Sheikh Hasina went live on the Awami League page! In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. India clarified that it is not using Indian platforms. Subsequently, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jayaswal expressed regret over the destruction of the historic residence of Sheikh Mujib, a symbol of bravery against occupation and oppression. The statement further emphasized that all those proud of their Bengali identity are aware of the importance of this residence.

Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest with India over the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing them as provocative. In response to a question, he confirmed that the Foreign Ministry had submitted a diplomatic note to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka but had yet to receive a reply. He described Hasina’s remarks as highly aggressive and offensive to the younger generation. Dhaka has urged New Delhi to restrain Hasina from making such statements, and officials are closely monitoring India’s response. Hossain also remarked that the controversial Adani deal was not in Bangladesh’s best interests and announced that the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor would soon undertake an official visit to the UAE to discuss various bilateral issues, including visa policies.

In a meeting at the Jamuna State Guesthouse in Dhaka with Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus requested assistance in recovering funds that had been illicitly sent abroad. He accused Sheikh Hasina and her associates of stealing billions of dollars from the people, some of which were allegedly sent to Canada. The High Commissioner assured cooperation and praised Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, asking how they could assist further. He also mentioned that a Canadian minister would soon visit Bangladesh, and that Canada is interested in expanding business and investment ties with the country. The Chief Adviser suggested the opening of a Canadian visa office in Bangladesh, considering the interests of students.

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ikouina Akiko, has expressed interest in advancing and strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh during a meeting with the Chief Adviser. During the discussion, she reaffirmed Japan’s support for the interim government and emphasized enhancing bilateral relations to boost trade and development cooperation. The trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately four billion US dollars, with Japan being one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations. She also invited the Chief Adviser to attend the Future of Asia conference in Tokyo in May and the Osaka Expo 2025.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent a letter to Khaleda Zia, extending greetings and wishing her good health. In the letter, the Pakistani Prime Minister praises Khaleda Zia as a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, highlighting her political and illustrious life. He reassures that Pakistan, the BNP chairperson, her family, party, and supporters stand with her. The letter was sent from the Pakistan Embassy to the BNP chairperson’s office on the afternoon of February 2.

According to Indian media, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has allocated ₹1.2 billion for Bangladesh in the 2025-26 fiscal year—consistent with past allocations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. This marks India’s first budget under Narendra Modi’s third term and following Hasina’s ousting. The ministry has set aside ₹205.16 billion in total, with Nepal receiving the highest allocation of ₹21.5 billion for hydropower projects, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development. While Maldives’ allocation has increased, Afghanistan’s has decreased. The budget was presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.