A key parliamentary committee has formally urged the Indian government to take immediate steps to stabilise the crucial bilateral relationship with Bangladesh. This call comes amidst a significant escalation of violent protests in the neighbouring country, which have been marked by concerning anti-India rhetoric.
Committee Expresses Deep Concern Over Escalating Tensions
The appeal was made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, which is chaired by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Speaking on Friday, December 19, 2025, Tharoor revealed the committee's recent report and voiced his personal disappointment with the deteriorating situation across the border.
"The Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament just issued a report in which we urged the government to engage constructively with the government of Bangladesh and try to move relations to a stable level," Tharoor stated. He emphasised India's profound historical and strategic stake in the relationship, recalling India's instrumental role in Bangladesh's liberation in 1971.
"After all these years, we can’t suddenly abandon the people of Bangladesh. At the same time the kind of hostility that is being drummed up against Indians, against people who are deemed to be on the Indian side is very worrying," he added, highlighting the committee's alarm over the incitement of anti-India sentiments.
Former Diplomat Warns of Consequences for Anti-India Activities
The parliamentary concern was echoed by Rajya Sabha MP and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The seasoned diplomat linked the current escalation to the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, likely to be held in February. He pointed out that certain elements were exploiting minority anti-India sentiment to further their own political interests.
Shringla underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs had appropriately summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner. The clear message delivered was that activities threatening Indian diplomatic missions, personnel, property, and minority communities are completely unacceptable.
In a firm warning, Shringla stated, "Any government that wants good relations with India must understand that promoting anti-Indian activities will invite a commensurate response." This statement underscores the potential for a strong Indian reaction if the provocations continue.
A Critical Juncture for Bilateral Diplomacy
The combined statements from the parliamentary panel and a former top diplomat signal a critical moment for India-Bangladesh relations. The key takeaways from the developments are:
- The Parliamentary Committee has formally recommended constructive and stabilising engagement with the Bangladeshi government.
- There is serious concern in New Delhi about the violence and targeted anti-India narrative.
- India has issued a direct diplomatic demarche to Dhaka through its High Commissioner.
- The Indian establishment has made it clear that relations cannot be one-sided and that hostile actions will have consequences.
The coming weeks, leading up to the Bangladeshi elections, will be crucial in determining whether the two neighbours can navigate this period of tension and preserve their long-standing partnership.
