India already has a Neighbourhood First Policy. It's typically based on Bharat's civilisational values as well as pragmatic and mature Diplomacy.
But as of now since 2026 Uri attack; that is over nine years -- Pakistan does not fall into that category. Bangladesh figured prominently. It perhaps still figures -- but apparently conditional. New Delhi is not comfortable of Bangladeshi leaders and interim government trying to court Pakistan even at the cost of forgetting the genocide of 1970s.
Hence deputing foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar to attend the funeral of Khaleda Zia was an important move. Like the rest of the world New Delhi also believes that perhaps Khaleda's son Tariqe Rahman of BNP is the Prime Minister in waiting.
The polls are slated for Feb 12 but some doubts still persist whether polls will be really held or whether the Deep State's puppet Muhammad Yunus will so easily give up power. In a recent media interview; when asked whether his task will be over by conducting elections - he reportedly said - "until a new government takes charge".
Yunus could be reluctant to give up power ... chiefly because the powers those control him would feel dejected their mission did not fructify. One issue was St Martin Islands. Nevertheless, India could not sit passively inactive. Hence deputing Jaishankar for a four-hour visit to Dhaka was a crucially timed decision.
Also important was PM Modi writing a letter to Tarique.
"I am confident that her (Tarique's mother) ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the BNP, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," said Modi.
In the past, the Govt of India has committed enough funds and time for the Sheikh Hasina regime. Now, India has to explore other options.
The BNP represents that 'moder bhalo (Bangla for lesser evil)' conjecture. It all depends how things span out.
People from all walks of life converged in overwhelming numbers at the Jatiya Sangsad complex in Dhaka and its surrounding areas to attend the namaz-e-janaza of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, turning the zone into a vast landscape of mourning, prayer, and remembrance.
This crowd might be an indication the BNP may win the polls decisively. However, there will be still some anxiety till Feb 12 polls are conducted properly and finally the power transfer happens easily and smoothly.
Tarique Rahman's India equation and Modi's testing times in diplomacy will come to the fore only after that.
History and Geography are important to put any foreign policy on track. The relationship between two countries would be also guided by --
Vision
Necessities and
Pragmatism
All these are in Team Modi's understanding as they draw oit strategies for new policy towards Dhaka from mid-February 2026. One good sign is till now Tarique has maintained a controlled mood and has not targeted India in any of his statements.
The new chairperson of BNP seems to believe that when there is a crisis and his nation is amid a season of crises and challenges -- he does not need enemies. He needs friends.
India's past shows -- India and especially PM Modi will go to any extent to protect the interests of friends. On this score; Bangladeshi intellectuals are already showing neo-pragmatism. Several intellectuals are now vocal against the Yunus regime - for its failures on multiple fronts including deteriorating law and order and ties with India.
The misadventure of friendship with Dhaka has not given the people of Bangladesh anything good. Moreover as ties deteriorated with India - trade and trademark business of textiles suffered.
Hence being anti-India may not work very well this time in terms of electoral outcome.
'Prothom Alo' newspaper office torched on Dec 18 late night violence
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