S Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh amid unrest, will attend Begum Zia's funeral

In a significant diplomatic move, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to represent India at the state funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia on December 31. The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and long-standing Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) passed away in Dhaka, marking the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. This visit comes at a delicate time as India seeks to recalibrate its relationship with its neighbor following the dramatic ousting of Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent political transition last year.

The timing of Zia's passing is particularly poignant as it coincides with the return of her son and BNP’s de facto chief, Tarique Rahman, from 17 years in exile. India’s decision to send a high-ranking minister like Jaishankar is being viewed by political analysts as an "outreach" to the BNP. For years, New Delhi was perceived as being closely aligned with the Awami League, while Zia’s leadership was often seen as a counter-weight that leaned closer to Beijing and Islamabad, often to New Delhi’s concern.

During her two terms as Prime Minister (1991–1996 and 2001–2006), Khaleda Zia significantly strengthened Dhaka’s strategic and military ties with China. Her tenure was characterized by a push for self-reliance and a shift in regional alliances that frequently challenged India’s security interests in the Northeast. However, the current geopolitical vacuum in Dhaka has necessitated a pragmatic shift in India’s foreign policy, prompting a move toward establishing a working relationship with all major political stakeholders in Bangladesh.

Jaishankar’s presence at the funeral is expected to serve as a platform for informal discussions with the interim administration and BNP leadership. By showing respect to the departed leader, India aims to signal its commitment to the stability and democratic process of Bangladesh, regardless of which party is in power. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, this visit could be the first step in thawing the strained ties and addressing mutual concerns regarding border security and regional cooperation.