Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz published three commentaries on the India-Bangladesh relationship after India’s parliamentary election. These commentaries explore the possibilities of any changes in India’s policy towards its neighbors, especially Bangladesh. In the election, the incumbent BJP did not get the absolute majority after ten years being in power and has formed a collation government with allies under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Opposition alliance, INDIA, under the leadership of the Congress party has defied the pre-election prediction and emerged as a strong opposition in the parliament.
In a commentary published in Diplomat magazine, Riaz writes that although Narendra Modi and his party BJP have returned to power with diminished support from the electorate, a recalibration of its foreign policy is unlikely as the Indian political establishment and intelligence community play key roles in shaping its neighborhood policy. However, the opposition alliance led by the Congress party may raise questions because of the growing influence of China in the region under Modi’s watch.
In another commentary published in the Benar News English news portal, commenting on Bangladesh Prime Ministers’ attendance in the induction of the new government in New Delhi, Riaz said that it sends a message that Bangladesh’s growing relationship with China is not to counter India’s influence on Bangladesh.
In a separate Bengali commentary in the Benar News, Riaz discusses what may prompt the Congress party-led INDIA bloc’s questioning about Bangladesh policy is connected to the alleged corrupt nexus between business tycoon Gautam Adani and Modi. In the past year, Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Modi has helped Adani to gain an advantage in investments in other countries, including Bangladesh.
