Dhaka’s diplomatic reset signals a new Delhi strategy after years of strain :::: Soft diplomacy - a necessary mechanism for managing 'raw asymmetry' between a rising middle-income Bangladesh and India - the regional heavyweight !!

 Dhaka’s diplomatic reset signals a new Delhi strategy after years of strain  

That both capitals are replacing their respective envoys at almost the exact same historical juncture is no mere coincidence.

The decision to replace incumbent high commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi with the incumbent foreign secretary, Asad Alam Siam, marks a massive shift in diplomatic philosophy under the newly emboldened Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.   

Bangladesh’s latest diplomatic reshuffle shows the clearest indication that Dhaka is fundamentally recalibrating how it intends to deal with its largest and most imposing neighbour after nearly two years of strained bilateral relations and diminishing return from a foreign strategy built largely on unreciprocated goodwill and strategic restraint.

The decision to replace incumbent high commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi with the incumbent foreign secretary, Asad Alam Siam, marks a massive shift in diplomatic philosophy under the newly emboldened Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Internally, Hamidullah’s diplomatic tenure had increasingly come to symbolise what senior Bangladeshi officials privately describe as an “overly apologetic”, deferential approach towards India, one that leaned far too heavily on cultural diplomacy and historical confidence-building even as painful bilateral irritants continued to accumulate along the shared border.

The immediate trigger for this sudden shake-up was an embarrassing diplomatic incident surrounding the treatment of Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s adviser on policy and strategy, who abruptly abandoned an official visit to India after reportedly being held up at immigration inside New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for a few hours.  Dhaka reacted swiftly by summoning India’s acting high commissioner and lodging a formal protest, but inside the government, the insult also prompted a more fundamental, existential question: had Bangladesh’s diplomacy towards India become too submissive?

The strategic choice of Asad Alam Siam is therefore deeply symbolic. Rather than dispatching just another “envoy” tasked primarily with softly managing Indian sensitivities, Dhaka is sending the country’s serving foreign secretary, the senior-most

career diplomat explicitly responsible for shaping Bangladesh’s global external policy, to its most consequential bilateral mission.

The message reverberating across the region is pointed. India undoubtedly remains Bangladesh’s most vital geographical neighbour, but it will no longer be treated as the sole axis around which Dhaka structures its entire foreign policy universe.

Interestingly, New Delhi appears to have reached a strikingly similar conclusion.

The Indian government’s decision to appoint veteran politician and former federal railway minister Dinesh Trivedi as high commissioner to Bangladesh departs from decades of entrenched institutional practice in which Dhaka was entrusted almost exclusively to career mandarins from the Indian Foreign Service.

By sending a senior politician with deep familial roots in West Bengal and extensive legislative experience inside the ruling establishment, the Modi government is tacitly acknowledging that relations with Bangladesh have become too politically sensitive to be managed through routine diplomatic channels alone.  It vividly reflects the messy emergence of a new phase in Bangladesh-India relations, one in which both sovereign governments increasingly view their bilateral bond through the cold prism of domestic politics, strategic competition and regional realignment rather than the emotional, outdated vocabulary of historical friendship.

For much of the past decade, Bangladesh’s fundamental approach towards India rested on a hopeful assumption that strategic patience and unilateral accommodation would ultimately preserve regional stability. Successive governments in Dhaka consistently

emphasised shared cultural exchanges, historical bonds and security cooperation.

Even when difficult, structurally vital issues lingered unresolved —ranging from the perennially stalled Teesta river water-sharing agreement to persistent border killings, rigid visa restrictions, and trade barriers, Dhaka generally preferred quiet, non-confrontational diplomacy over public friction.

There was an undeniable logic behind that cautious approach, given that Bangladesh shares its longest land border with India and cooperates deeply on counterterrorism, energy grids and cross-border logistics. Geography leaves almost no room forpermanent strategic estrangement.

Soft diplomacy thus became a necessary mechanism for managing the raw asymmetry between a rising middle-income Bangladesh and a regional heavyweight. Yet soft diplomacy has strict structural limits, and cultural affinity cannot indefinitely compensate for unresolved strategic disputes.

Shared language and history create transient goodwill among societies, but sovereign governments ultimately negotiate over concrete interests, not sentimental history. When hard questions involving borders and resource distribution remain unanswered,

"Peace in northeast including Manipur is a priority" :::::: Electoral politics of North East --- Manipur goes to polls in 2027 and by March 2028 .... three other states Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura tool will have new legislatures

 Meghalaya has a different social pattern when it comes to gender. Yet the politics of Meghalaya is male-led and male-focused. 

This paradox vis-s-vis matrilineal society among Garos, Jaintias and Khasis is hardly understood.  

In other states, there is typical male domination.  

 File snap: Tribal women walk across a 'root bridge' in Meghalaya 

More than 220 people, most of them Christians, have died in Manipur, where Kukis tribal Christians have been fighting Meitei Hindus since May 3 2023 over conferring the tribal status on Hindus.

Christians account for about 42 percent of the hilly state’s 3.7 million population.

Since 2021, Christian-majority Mizoram has been witnessing the arrival of migrants from Myanmar after the coup of the civilian government by the Myanmar military.

Myanmar, the world’s largest opium-producing nation, shares borders with Mizoram's three districts -- Hnahthial, Champhai and Lawngtlai.

People in Myanmar’s Christian-majority Chin state have family relations with people in the Christian-dominated Indian state of Mizoram. 

In all these, the fact of the matter is youth and the women are the majority victims. It may be now time for youth and women not to be carried away 'blindly by emotions' or any kind of pressure or  manipulation. They must rise above division; become part of the movement to restore peace in Manipur.   

And also reflect on mistakes. The past experience shows many women and youths have been swept away by 'emotional' politics and false and divisive narratives. They also became instruments in the hands of selfish and divisive leaders.  

Hence socio-political leaders in violence-hit Manipur must introspect. Political mistakes must be acknowledged, and those responsible must have the courage to admit their failures. 

Admitting mistakes is not a weakness; it is the first step toward healing.  

The Modi government has drawn up a plan to bring peace to the volatile northeastern region housing the nation’s three Christian-majority states. Meghalaya and Nagaland are Christian majority and so is Mizoram.  But we will skip analysing Mizoram this time. 

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Nagaland has witnessed many armed struggles over the years with demands for separation from India. People initiatives are making progress but they are no longer result-oriented. The centre wants to change this perception.

But there are governance failures too.

People in six districts of Nagaland refused to vote in the national election in 2024 to stress their demand for a separate state. 

The sources in Delhi say, the centre is well aware of these intricacies.

The stress is clear the government of India is keen to work on a final peace pact with multiple Naga insurgent groups.

Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura will have polls by March 2028.

In all three states; besides other challenges -- the perceived Economic frustration is real.  

All these three states and also Manipur desperately need jobs and functioning health facilities. But these are easier said than done.  

The upcoming set of provincial elections in Manipur and three other states in 2028 will hence be like a referendum on governance and also also on the direction of north east India’s democracy. 

We say this because the contest has increasingly shifted from development to identity, from performance to polarization.

Worse, violence between Nagas and Kukis and Kukis and Meities continue unabated. 

N Biren Singh's 'charisma' of 2022 is now replaced by a parochial personality. Can he help fend off the possible Congress party's revival in Manipur. In 2024 Lok Sabha polls - Congress won both Inner and Outer seats and also the lone Nagaland seat. 

The NPF, a key ally of BJP, is also eyeing advances in both Manipur and Nagaland while Meghalaya and Tripura seem ready for intense multipolar contests. 

Can north east of India really take any movement towards a complex ideological recalibration ? 

But first thing first.

Manipur cannot afford to keep burning.

If the stakeholders fail to admit mistakes, learn from our failures, and work together both in short term and long term perspectives, the consequences will be devastating.  

In Manipur, different communities need to talk to each other. Politicians, even media enterpreuners , youth, women, security forces, and the Modi Govt must work together sincerely to stop the violence and restore peace.  

The north east India’s electoral future is largely being shaped not by development debate and other issues of governance but by 'competing visions' on who is who and which tribe and which clan and of what it means to belong to one socio-religious group or the other. 

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"It was the people who forced the 'queen of fascism' Hasina to flee" :::: Jamaat leader says --- “Delhi controls the remote behind all the political chaos, oppression and changes":

Frustration is palpable.  

“Delhi controls the remote behind all the political chaos, oppression and changes of power in this country. It also exerts control over the economy, politics, business, trade and culture,”  Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. 

Referring to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Porwar said that India was allowing "a death-row convict" to stay in Delhi with access to technological facilities and other comforts in violation of the Geneva Conventions, laws relating to prisoner exchange and other legal provisions.

"We want friendly and fair relations with all neighbouring countries in the interest of Bangladesh. 

But when a country repeatedly takes steps that go against Bangladesh's politics, government and national interests, the people do not welcome that," he said.

Women occupied an unprecedented political position during the July uprising in 2024

On the issue of Sheikh Hasina, Porwar said the matter was now before the tribunal and that the government and the judicial process would determine the next course of action.

"There is a tribunal, there are laws, and there is a government. They will decide the matter. We have left the decision to them in line with the aspirations of the people," he said.  

He urged the BNP to avoid pushing the country towards confrontation and instead convene at the parliament to begin constitutional reforms.

Porwar also criticised the immediate-past interim government, alleging that public suffering had increased in recent months because of a deteriorating law and order situation marked by killings, torture and child rape.

He further claimed that flood-affected people were not receiving adequate relief and that there was no visible government initiative for their rescue or rehabilitation.  

Deposed former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh from exile in India by December. Having been sentenced to death in absentia for her role in the 2024 protest crackdowns, Hasina intends to surrender to the courts to challenge the capital punishment and against ban on her Awami League party.

 

The Bangladeshi government has stated she will immediately face jail. 

Her return could jolt efforts to stabilise Bangladeshi politics following the 2024 revolt against her increasingly authoritarian rule, which saw her flee after a deadly crackdown failed to quell a student-led uprising.

However, it may also help to improve ties with India, which have been strained by New Delhi’s decision to offer her refuge.  

Sheikh Hasina’s 20-year tenure across multiple terms transformed Bangladesh’s economy, lifting millions out of poverty and turning the nation into a global garment export powerhouse.

Yet, her landmark achievements in infrastructure and development were overshadowed by a stark descent into authoritarianism, systematic suppression of political dissent, and rigged elections.

She has begun reorganising her party from abroad too.

In changing face of Indian politics ... we have 'outsiders' doing pretty well in BJP !! Number of Muslim MLAs "on decline" ... Congress too losing ground in state legislature

The past never changes .... until one day ... when it does !!

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In 140-member Kerala Assembly, the number of Muslim MLAs has gone up from 32 in the previous Assembly to 35.

In Tamil Nadu’s 234-member House as well, the number has gone up from 6 to 9. Puducherry remaining stagnant with only 1 Muslim MLA in a House of 30.

The nosedive decline has been reported from Assam - 22 in  2026 from 31 in the 2021 polls. 

In West Bengal, the triumph of Hindutva forces not only eclipsed political career of 'rising sickular stardom around Mamata'. In the 294-assembly now, the number of Muslim legislators has come down from 42 to 40.  

Now for Congress party - there has been a huge shortfall in number of MLAs across India since 2007 when Rahul Gandhi was 'given importance' and made general secretary. In Delhi, Nagaland and Tripura - the Congress does not have any legislator now. 

The decline is remarkable because Congress was in power in Delhi for 15 years since 1999. In Nagaland. it ruled the roost most of the last few decades since statehood in 1963. And in Tripura, it was in power in the 1980s and later the principal opposition. 

Overall, in 2007-08; Congress has 1204 MLAs. By 2026, the numbers have dropped by over 40 per cent. Now it has 676 MLAs (a few figures here and there).   

For BJP, the story is altogether different and expectedly so. Now it has 1787 MLAs as against 889 in 2008. This means double ... that is 100 per cent increase. 

As regard the Lotus, there is another interesting data - of the total 4120 MLAs in the country; now every second MLA belongs to the party of Modi-Amit Shah duo. 

For the Congress; that data is one in every six MLA. 

With regard Muslims and figures in Lok Sabha - we must note - 

The 1951 Census put the population at 36.10 crore, with Hindus accounting for 84 per cent and Muslims, 10 per cent. 

According to the 2011 Census, out of a total population of 121.09 crore, 

Hindus accounted for 79.8 per cent, (decline by 5 per cent) 

while Muslims accounted for 14.2 per cent. (incesae)

However, the legislative representation of Muslims in the Lok Sabha has largely remained below the proportion of the community in the national population.

In the 1952 parliamentary election, 25 Muslims were elected to the Lok Sabha. 

The percentage of Muslim MPs in the Lok Sabha has generally between 4 and 6 per cent, except in 1980 and 1984 when their number crossed 40.  

The number of Muslim MLAs in 1952 was 5.11 per cent of the total strength of the House, which was 489. 

In the 1957 election, the number dipped to 23, which was 4.66 per cent of the total number of Lok Sabha MPs. 

In 2024 parliamentary polls when Congress and Samajwadi Party showed massive improvement in performance; 24 MPs were/are Muslims.

In the 1980 election, a record 49 Muslim MPs were elected, which was 9.04 per cent of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. 

As many as 45 Muslim members were elected in 1984 --- which was 8.3 per cent.

In the present Lok Sabha, the number of Muslim lawmakers stands at 4.41 per cent of its total strength.

Now we have an 'inside' story from the BJP. The general refrain is "outsiders" (leaders and lawmakers imported from other parties) are doing well. The final verdict could be 'mixed' - Yes and No. Especially, the argument (with facts) is outsiders getting importance is not a new trend in the saffron outfit. 

Or in other words -- one cannot put the entire blame to Team Modi. Likes of Jaswant Singh and Yashwant Sinha never had RSS background. 

In the BJP circles - following words make a lot of sense these days. - Defection, Acquisition, Merger and Take Over ! 

Let us take a closer look ---  

Firstly, when Bharatiya Jana Sangh was floated. Its first president was Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He was associated with Hindu Mahasabha but was not with RSS per se.  

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Now chief ministers of BJS (or with Sanghparivar approval) first came in two  states in 1977. - Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.  

Shanta Kumar in Himachal and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in Rajasthan --- none were from RSS background.  In Madhya Pradesh, new CM Kailash Chandra Joshi of course had Sangh background.  

Again about Muslims :

Only constituencies with sizeable Muslim populations (between 25 per cent and 50 per cent or more) were selected for fielding Muslim candidates in most cases including in 1950s and 1960s. 

Moreover, some regions and States that had a sizeable percentage of Muslim voters remained totally unrepresented or grossly under-represented in terms of Muslim legislators.  

The growth of Hindutva politics has resulted in non-BJP parties looking at Muslim candidates as a liability.

There is a paradox; political parties are scared of fielding Muslim candidates but at the same time the Muslim vote bank is valued.

The rise of Hindutva politics has a direct correlation with the decline in the number of Muslim MLAs. 

The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 left a direct impact first in the Assembly elections that took place in Madhya Pradesh in 1993. Not a single Muslim MLA was elected.

In State legislatures, the number of Muslim members is not much even in States where they form a sizeable population. 

In Uttar Pradesh, there were only 628 Muslim MLAs out of a total of 7,389 until 2022. This works out to 8.49 per cent, while Muslims form over 15.5 per cent of the State’s population.  

 

Congress decline actually started long back ... even in 1950s itself :::: 

Every decade since 1950s ... the Congress has been losing seats. In contrast, the BJP has been seeing north bound graph in recent times. 

In Haryana, the BJP had won only four seats in 2009 --- five years later it had 47 MLAs in 2014. In 2019, this dropped to 40 but Congress could not return to power. In 2024, when Congress had high hopes of returning to power; the BJP managed to win 48 seats and also retained power. 

In Assam also, major transitions came in. In 2011; the BJP won only 5 seats and Congress recorded a massive win picking up 78 seats under veteran Tarun Gogoi. However, in 2016 -  the Congress numbers dropped to 28 and BJP's jumped to 60.

In 2021- Congress won only 29 and the BJP repeated its number of 60. In 2016 - the BJP on its own picked up 82 and the Congress number nosedived to 19. Among them, the Congress had as many as 18 Muslim MLAs.  

The Congress decline was significant even in Gujarat. It won 77 seats in 2017 and gave a tough fight to the saffron party in its 'lab'; -- but in 2022 - the Congress strength was reduced to mere 17. 

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"A symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility" :::::: Cricketing legend, Sir Garry Sobers, dies at 89 ::::: Against Pakistan in 1958, Sobers scored his maiden Test century, eventually recording 365 not out !!

 Sir Garry Sobers, West Indies cricketing great is no more.  

Our generation did not see or hear him on radio commentary. But we grew knowing it well that he was the First to hit six sixes in one over in first-class game.  

West Indian star - widely regarded as greatest all-rounder  

 He was a cavalier in an era when there were so many roundheads on the international circuit. The great West Indies’ sides of his time not only won their fair share of games but they played with a joyous freedom rarely matched by their opponents and this was so often due to the presence of Sobers.

Sobers will forever be associated with the feat he completed in 1968 at Glamorgan’s St Helen’s ground in Swansea when he became the first batsman to hit six sixes in a single over of six consecutive balls in first-class cricket but his achievements in a long and illustrious career were numerous.

The late Richie Benaud, a revered broadcaster and former Australia captain, described Sobers as “the greatest all-round cricketer the world has seen”. 

“Sobers was a brilliant batsman, splendid fielder, particularly close to the wicket, and a bowler of extraordinary skill, whether bowling with the new ball, providing orthodox left-arm spin or over-the-wrist spin," Richie wrote.   

Sobers made his first-class debut for Barbados at the age of 16 in 1953, and such was his extraordinary talent he was quickly called up by his country and made his Test debut for West Indies the following year.

It did not take him long to make his mark on the world stage. Against Pakistan in 1958, Sobers scored his maiden Test century, eventually recording 365 not out, a new record for the highest individual score in a Test innings. 

The record was not broken until another West Indian star Brian Lara did so in 1994.

Sobers retired relatively early for a player of his stature and ability at the age of 38 in 1974.

Some great players of the past continued appreciably longer. Simply enough, mentally and physically tired, he had lost his zest for the sport which had been his life – and was still his only observable means of earning a living !!

Sobers, pictured with England captain Brian Close, averaged 60.64 against England with 10 centuries (Getty Image/BBC)  

"He (Sobers) emerged from the Caribbean at a time when our region was finding its voice and asserting its place on the world stage.

"Through his excellence, he gave millions across our islands and in the diaspora, a renewed belief in what was possible. He showed that greatness was not confined by the size of our nations, the geography of our islands ...," - says Cricket West Indies chief president Kishore Shallow.   

Sobers achievements brought ... admiration from every corner of the cricketing world. 

And also ... inspiration to the West Indies and pride to Barbados.  

His batting was sublime. Bradman, after watching Sobers hit 254 for the Rest of the World against Australia in Melbourne in January 1972, concluded: 

“I believe his innings was probably the best ever seen in Australia.”

 

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"Devising an appropriate policy to handle foreign funding" ::::: FCRA amendment 'necessary' from national security point of view !!

With Parliament session on cards, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill 2026 is certain to face "fierce opposition" from civil society, church bodies, and opposition parties. 

India’s NGO sector and some religious bodies including churches in northeast appear too flummoxed to deal with the Modi government’s latest FCRA move.

The Congress and other parties are arguing that the central government is weaponizing the law to target minority-run institutions and silence peaceful dissent. 

It will be up for consideration and passage in the upcoming parliament session. The amendments seek to enhance transparency in dealing with funds coming to India.  However, security analysts in Delhi and in north east of India say -- that 'stricter regulations' are necessary to protect national security, enforce high accountability and prevent the misuse of foreign funds in illegal activities.   

Introducing the bill in March, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai had asserted that the Modi government “will not tolerate” any misuse of foreign funds and will take strong action against such elements. 

  

This assertion has takers among security analysts. "I do not understand the politics about it. But from national security point, foreign funds channels and the organisations who get the money must be made more accountable. 

You cannot be allowed to use leprosy treatment funds for organising anti-CAA protest or encourage church or any other fora to spread some kinds of divisions by spreading falsehood on human right violations etc".

The Bill proposes vesting foreign-funded assets (including schools, hospitals, and land) in a government-appointed official if an NGO's license is cancelled or not renewed.  

Opposition leaders argue this gives the executive disproportionate, unconstitutional power to confiscate property.

 

But security analysts say 'deep state' and other inimical forces have been channelising funds to push anti-India and anti-security forces' agenda in Nagaland, Manipur and even Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.  

These observations gave become more relevant at a time when the central gvernment is laying emphasis on fighting and even a step further in 'eradicating' insurgency in northeast. 

"The government has done well to curb Naxalism. Now it is time we lay emphasis on fighting such forces in north east," one expert remarked.   

In March, Parl Affairs Minister agreed to refer it to a panel 

Congress leader Manish Tewari has alleged that the new Bill gave “wide and unguided executive control over property”.

Countering charges that the draft law was “draconian” and “dangerous”, MoS Home Nityanand Rai had said that what was “indeed dangerous” were people misusing foreign contributions for personal gain or forced religious conversion.

also say the Bill “give unfettered, unguided and untrampled discretionary power" to the administrator, to do as it deems fit with the property

The Section 1(2) of this Bill says that it shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may notify.  Therefore, apprehension is it would apply with 'retrospective effect'.

This means the FCRA Bill could also apply to those previous licenses which are already applied but have not yet been renewed or those that are pending renewal. 

A lot of ironing out would have to be done via the Rules. There will have to be sunset clauses which would take a specific date by which all the NGOs would have to get the necessary compliance done.

Past references:

In 2015, the Modi government canceled the FCRA licenses of about 10,000 organizations including Green Peace, Ford Foundation and some 20 Christian organizations. Another 1,807 NGOs lost theirs in 2019.

In 2020, a government order said these organizations will not be eligible to apply for a fresh license for a period of three years.

An FCRA license is mandatory to receive foreign donations in India.

In 2021, came the turn of a plethora of institutions like Oxfam India, Hamdard Education Society, Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi), Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Indian Institute of Public Administration, National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), Nehru Museum, Delhi College of Engineering, Goa Football Association, and Press Institute of India.  

Notably, all of it did not come without warning; PM Narendra Modi’s trusted aide and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had cautioned police bosses and others about the new generation enemy, that is the social organizations - and their source of evil money is foreign funding. 

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India gets it's first hydrogen train ::: PM Modi flagged off indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell-powered 'Namo rail'

 India's first hydrogen train  

The 10-coach train, which will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway, is a pilot project aimed at demonstrating the viability of hydrogen-powered mobility in one of the world's largest rail networks. 

This is seen as the longest and most powerful hydrogen train in the world.

India entered a new era of clean rail transportation on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell-powered train.

The adventure makes India one of the few nations to adopt hydrogen technology for railway operations.