A recent article by former diplomat Veena Sikri in the influential Indian news outlet NDTV has unveiled a familiar yet complex picture of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations. On one hand, sharp anti-India rhetoric and efforts to gain political popularity by targeting the neighbor are visible within Bangladesh's domestic politics. On the other hand, diplomatic efforts are quietly continuing to secure energy and power benefits from India. The stark contradiction between flashy public statements and behind-the-scenes diplomatic reality could cast long-term negative shadows on Dhaka-Delhi relations. Crisis of Trust and Confidence Trust is the fundamental bedrock of diplomacy. When a nation's leadership publicly projects one stance while privately seeking contrasting benefits, it creates a severe crisis of credibility among decision-makers in the partner country. The Indian government may view this dual strategy for political gain as "insincere behavior" in the long run, which could slow down or impede assistance during future crises. Complications in the Economic and Power-Energy Sectors Currently, Bangladesh maintains its national power grid by importing a significant amount of electricity from India, including the Rampal power plant and the Adani Group's Jharkhand facility. Simultaneously, Bangladesh is seeking Indian investments and cooperation in renewable energy and expanded cross-border power trade. However, persistent anti-India rhetoric in public could erode interest among Delhi’s policymakers and Indian investors. Signing new power agreements, securing concessional border trade, or expanding power benefits could face roadblocks due to domestic political pressure within India. Psychological Distance at the Diplomatic Level The cancellation or stalling of bilateral visits is not merely a procedural matter; it is a clear signal of diplomatic strain. If Delhi perceives Bangladesh leaning toward anti-India alignments (such as Pakistan) amid government shifts or internal political changes, it may re-evaluate its regional security posture. Consequently, Bangladesh's geopolitical significance in South Asia could risk shifting toward diplomatic isolation. Lagging Behind in Regional Economic Blocs South Asian economic growth and regional connectivity (such as BBIN and BIMSTEC) heavily rely on the warmth of Bangladesh-India relations. Due to political uncertainty and tension, India might prioritize connectivity projects with other neighbors—such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Bhutan—over Bangladesh. As a result, Bangladesh risks losing crucial trade routes and transit advantages, leading to long-term economic drawbacks. Misleading Public Messaging Fanning anti-India sentiments for local popularity and political gain fosters a public mindset that eventually resists even routine bilateral agreements. When the general public is unaware that the nation's energy security largely depends on India out of pragmatic necessity, misguided anti-India sentiment makes it increasingly difficult for any future government to formulate a sustainable foreign policy. Using a neighbor as a political scapegoat may offer temporary advantages, but as Veena Sikri implied, such tactics work only up to a point. Disregarding pragmatic diplomacy and national interest to pursue a double-standard policy will ultimately jeopardize Bangladesh’s economic stability and international credibility.

Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla