Khaleda Zia’s funeral: Jaishankar meets Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, hands over PM Modi’s condolence letter

The recent visit by India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to Dhaka to convey condolences on the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and his meeting with her son Tarique Rahman, holds immense diplomatic and strategic significance for India. This was not merely a gesture of sympathy but a carefully orchestrated move reflecting India's nuanced 'Neighbourhood First' policy, especially given the tumultuous political landscape in Bangladesh.

**Background Context: A Nation in Transition**

To understand the gravity of Jaishankar's visit, one must grasp the recent political developments in Bangladesh. Khaleda Zia, a two-time Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had been a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, often seen as the arch-rival of Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League. Her political career was marked by periods of power and opposition, intertwined with legal battles and health issues, leading to her being under house arrest for several years. Her passing marks the end of an era for a significant segment of Bangladeshi politics.

Crucially, this visit occurred shortly after Bangladesh underwent a significant political transition. On August 5, 2025, an interim government took charge following intense protests and demands for a free and fair general election. The previous Awami League government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had faced sustained opposition over allegations of authoritarianism and electoral irregularities. The formation of an interim government, often a feature of Bangladesh's political history during electoral transitions, signals a period of political uncertainty and potential reform. India, as a close neighbour and strategic partner, needs to navigate this transition carefully to safeguard its interests.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Roles**

1. **S. Jaishankar (India's EAM):** As the representative of the Indian government, his presence underscores India's commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with Bangladesh, irrespective of the political party in power or the nature of the government (interim or elected). His visit signifies India's proactive engagement in regional diplomacy.

2. **Khaleda Zia:** Though deceased, her legacy as a former Prime Minister and leader of the BNP remains potent. Her passing is a pivotal moment for the BNP, potentially paving the way for new leadership dynamics within the party.

3. **Tarique Rahman:** Khaleda Zia's son and the acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, is a significant figure in Bangladeshi politics, despite living in exile. Jaishankar's meeting with him and the delivery of PM Modi's condolence letter is a direct outreach to the opposition leadership, signaling India's willingness to engage with all major political forces in Bangladesh.

4. **Narendra Modi (India's PM):** The condolence letter from PM Modi emphasizes the highest level of diplomatic courtesy and acknowledges the stature of Khaleda Zia, while also extending a hand of engagement to her family and party.

5. **Interim Government of Bangladesh:** Jaishankar's visit being the first by an Indian minister since the interim government took charge is highly symbolic. It implicitly acknowledges the new political reality and signals India's intent to engage constructively with the interim administration, ensuring the continuity of bilateral relations during the transitional period.

**Significance for India: A Balancing Act**

This visit is profoundly significant for India's foreign policy, particularly its 'Neighbourhood First' doctrine. Bangladesh is India's most crucial eastern neighbour, sharing a 4,096 km long border, the fifth-longest land border in the world.

* **Diplomatic Continuity and Stability:** India's engagement, even during a political transition, ensures continuity in bilateral relations. It projects India as a reliable partner that respects the internal political processes of its neighbours, even if complex.

* **Regional Security:** A stable Bangladesh is vital for India's security interests, particularly in counter-terrorism, managing illegal immigration, and combating cross-border crime. Instability in Bangladesh can have direct spillover effects on India's northeastern states.

* **Economic and Connectivity Projects:** India has significant economic and connectivity projects with Bangladesh, including port access, railway links, and energy cooperation. Engaging with the interim government and key political figures ensures that these projects, crucial for India's Act East Policy, remain on track.

* **Strategic Outreach to BNP:** Historically, India's relations have been warmer with the Awami League. However, engaging with Tarique Rahman is a strategic move to broaden India's diplomatic base in Bangladesh, ensuring that future governments, potentially led by the BNP, also view India favourably. It mitigates the risk of being perceived as partisan.

**Constitutional & Policy References:**

While direct Indian constitutional articles on foreign policy are broad (e.g., Article 51, a Directive Principle, encourages international peace and security), India's foreign policy is guided by its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This policy prioritizes friendly and cooperative relations with immediate neighbours, emphasizing mutual growth and regional stability. This visit perfectly exemplifies this policy in action.

**Future Implications:**

The visit sets a precedent for India's engagement with Bangladesh during its transitional phase. It signals India's desire for a stable and democratic Bangladesh, regardless of which party eventually comes to power through elections. It also opens channels of communication with the BNP, which could be a significant political force in future elections. The success of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy hinges on its ability to navigate such complex political transitions with diplomatic acumen, ensuring that its strategic interests are secured while fostering goodwill across the political spectrum of its neighbours. The coming months will reveal how Bangladesh’s political landscape evolves and how India continues to adapt its engagement to maintain its vital bilateral relationship.

Ultimately, this is a masterclass in pragmatic diplomacy, showcasing India's commitment to fostering robust and comprehensive ties with Bangladesh, a relationship critical for regional peace, prosperity, and security.