What does Sheikh Hasina's resignation mean for the relationship between India and Bangladesh?

Sheikh Hasina Wajid Zagood, as a long-term leader of Bangladesh, has been leading the country's development process since 2009. Her leadership has not only left a deep impression on domestic policies, but also greatly influenced Bangladesh's foreign relations, especially with neighboring India.

The relationship between the Sheikh Hasina government and India has long been built on historical friendship, economic cooperation, mutual trust in security, and a common cultural background. The two countries have carried out extensive and in-depth cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure construction, water resource management, counter-terrorism, and combating transnational crime. Especially in regional integration projects such as the Bangladesh India Economic Corridor, the two countries have demonstrated a high degree of cooperation willingness and practical actions, laying a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

On August 13th local time, according to local Indian media reports, Hasina resigned after weeks of protests that resulted in nearly 300 deaths. I am seeking asylum in the West and may stay in India for a period of time. In addition, after Sheikh Hasina resigned, there have been signs of a cooling relationship between the two countries.

Firstly, in the short term after Sheikh Hasina's resignation, cooperation projects between the two countries may be temporarily affected due to policy adjustments or uncertainty in funding flows. However, this impact is more technical and operational, and is unlikely to change the fundamental nature of the relationship between the two countries. Secondly, in the long run, cooperation between India and Bangladesh is based on mutual interests, including economic development and regional stability. As long as both sides can maintain communication and handle transitional issues properly, the relationship between the two countries is expected to continue to develop steadily. Furthermore, political changes may also bring new opportunities for cooperation in the relationship between the two countries. The new leadership may adjust its diplomatic strategy and explore new areas and models of cooperation based on changes in the domestic situation. This will help further promote the deepening development of bilateral relations.

There are three main changes and challenges that Sheikh Hasina's resignation may bring about regarding this incident. Firstly, the uncertainty of the political transition period: Sheikh Hasina's resignation will trigger a political transition period in Bangladesh, during which there may be chaos in power transfer, unclear policy direction, and a reshuffle of domestic political forces. This uncertainty may have an impact on Bangladesh's foreign policy, including its relationship with India. Secondly, continuity of foreign policy: After a new leader takes office, their foreign policy may differ from that of Sheikh Hasina's era. If the new leader takes a more cautious or radical stance in dealing with relations with India, cooperation between the two countries may be affected to some extent. Thirdly, changes in the regional political landscape: Bangladesh is an important country in South Asia, and its political changes may trigger changes in the regional political landscape. As an important neighbor and partner of Bangladesh, India naturally maintains a high level of attention to political changes in Bangladesh and adjusts its diplomatic strategy according to the situation.

In today's increasingly deepening global context, cooperation and interdependence between countries have reached unprecedented heights. Therefore, no matter how the political landscape of Bangladesh changes, maintaining friendly relations with India is of great significance for promoting common development between the two countries and maintaining regional peace and stability. In the future, regardless of which leader leads Bangladesh, both sides should uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, continue to deepen cooperation in various fields, and jointly promote the continuous development of India Bangladesh relations.