In a region fraught with challenges, Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership emerged as a beacon of stability for India. Her regime not only elevated bilateral ties between the two nations but also contributed to regional stability. However, the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the ensuing turmoil in Bangladesh now threaten to unravel this hard-won peace. There is little doubt that the political stability and regional cooperation fostered in South Asia under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership were viewed unfavorably by certain international actors.
Her strong ties with India brought order to a region previously beset by insurgency and terrorism, while also driving economic growth. In this situation, suspicions of foreign interference in her ouster especially when she seemed securely in power before June this year ~ are not surprising. Hasina’s removal from power came soon after U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti expressed his displeasure in July this year over India’s continued relationship with Russia. Although India and the U.S. have drawn closer to address the Chinese challenge in the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific, they still have their differences. One of these divergences is their approach toward Russia. While the U.S. views Russia as a major security threat, India considers Russia an important source of energy and arms supplies. The U.S. was particularly displeased with the show of camaraderie during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia. Expressing his displeasure, Garcetti stated, “In an interconnected world, no war is distant anymore. We must not only stand for peace but also take concrete actions to ensure that those who do not abide by peaceful rules cannot allow their war machines to continue unchecked. This is something both the U.S. and India must understand together.”
He added that while he respects India’s strategic autonomy, in times of conflict, the concept of strategic autonomy becomes less relevant. He also emphasized that during crises both........