A positive move but requires more understanding

While the recent overtures from New Delhi to BNP may be seen in a positive light and as an expedient move, it requires earnest introspection on India's part to explore why bilateral relations between these two neighbours remain frosty at best.

The gathering of foreign dignitaries at BNP chief Khaleda Zia's funeral was remarkable, to say the least. Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives and India attended the funeral as did the speaker of Pakistan's national assembly. Envoys from about 40 countries joined the event as did millions who flooded the streets at the heart of Dhaka and brought it to standstill for several hours. There were condolence messages from premiers around the region including China.

The funeral had suddenly become a regional event befitting a great stateswoman, not just the leader of one of Bangladesh's largest political parties or just another former prime minister. But most significant, in all this was perhaps, the attendance of the Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar. One of the most visible figures of the Indian cabinet, Jaishankar also delivered a personal message from the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. The foreign dignitaries met Khaleda's son, who is now BNP's acting chair and de facto head of the party, Tarique Rahman.

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Millions mourn

But in light of India's lukewarm response and a notable reluctance to engage with the interim government, Jaishankar's visit and Modi's missive, bear particular significance. This visit by Jaishankar must also be seen in the context of Pakistani and Chinese enthusiasm to engage with the interim government as well as the political parties of Bangladesh. The Indian establishment has been keenly observing this development which must have seemed like Dhaka slipped out of its fold.

Foreign adviser Touhid Hossain later said that the visit of foreign dignitaries was purely out of courtesy and insisted that Jaishankar's visit had nothing to do with politics or bilateral relations. But the gesture from Delhi is unmistakable and Modi's letter clearly suggests that it is very much about bilateral relations and politics.

In the letter, Narendra Modi recalls his meeting and discussions with Khaleda in Dhaka in June 2015. He writes, "She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations."

This was echoed by the Indian defence minister as well. Rajnath Singh visited the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi and signed a condolence book. He wrote in flowing cursive, "Her notable contributions to strengthening India-Bangladesh ties will always be remembered."

It may be recalled here that the relationship between Bangladesh and India during the last BNP tenure (2001–2006) had been strained, to say the least. But Modi's letter shows that India is willing to look past all that as he expresses confidence in Tarique's "able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party" and that it will "ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh".

Of note here, is that Modi not only accepts Tarique as BNP leader, but hopes that bilateral relations will flourish between the two countries with him as the leader. Considering that Tarique is not in office, it is implicit that should the BNP come to power, India would be ready to engage constructively and positively. In fact, one might even suggest that the Modi government is not just willing but looking forward to working with the BNP as its counterpart in Bangladesh.

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A stunning turnout at a leader’s final rites

This also indicates a shift in New Delhi. While a number of statements and remarks from the neighbouring country have insisted on "inclusive" elections, which can be taken to mean India's insistence that all parties be allowed to participate in the upcoming election, one might wonder if Modi's letter indicates a slight realignment of his government's expectation. As such, Khaleda's funeral offered New Delhi the occasion to extend an olive branch to BNP.

However, building good relations with one party as India had done during the Awami League regime will hardly be enough for warmer bilateral relations. There is widespread anti-India feeling across the Bangladeshi spectrum that stems from a feeling that the larger neighbour has never treated us as an equal sovereign nation. India must rid itself of the tendency to appreciate our agreement but admonish Bangladesh's assertion. The onus here actually lies with India to develop a genuine people to people relation that could be the foundation of the "new beginning" as Modi puts it.