Four weeks after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India by helicopter amid a student-led uprising, her presence has turned into a diplomatic challenge for New Delhi.
The Bangladeshi students who led the revolt are demanding her return to face trial for the deaths of protesters during the unrest.
Extraditing the 76-year-old could jeopardize India’s relations with its South Asian neighbors, where it is vying for influence against China.
Thomas Kean of the International Crisis Group noted that India is likely to resist sending Hasina back, as doing so could signal to other regional leaders that New Delhi might not offer protection.
This concern follows India’s recent loss of influence in the Maldives, where a New Delhi-supported presidential candidate was defeated, leading to a shift towards Beijing.
India’s backing of the current Bangladeshi government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, contrasts with the hostility faced from those who suffered under Hasina’s regime.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on Hindu nationalism has also strained relations, exacerbated by recent floods that some Bangladeshis have blamed on India.
Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party criticized India’s approach, suggesting that support for Hasina has complicated efforts to mend relations.
Despite a desire for strong ties with India, many Bangladeshis remain cautious about its influence and actions.