On December 31, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq exchanged greetings in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on the sidelines of events surrounding the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The handshake, confirmed by the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh Press Wing, occurred amidst strained relations between the two nations and has sparked speculation about a potential thaw in diplomatic ties in 2026.

The brief interaction took place as regional leaders gathered to pay their respects to Zia, a significant figure in Bangladeshi politics. While no formal discussions were scheduled or announced, the symbolic gesture has been interpreted by some observers as a possible signal of willingness to re-engage in dialogue.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been particularly tense in recent years, marked by disputes over border regions, cross-border terrorism allegations, and water-sharing agreements. Recent events, including heightened military activity and accusations of interference in each other's internal affairs, have further exacerbated the situation. Specifically, India's construction projects affecting the flow of rivers into Pakistan have raised concerns about water security, as previously reported.

The exchange in Dhaka stands in contrast to recent instances where sporting encounters between the two countries have been avoided. The Indian men's, women's, and Under-19 cricket teams have declined to compete against Pakistani teams in recent tournaments, highlighting the depth of the current political divide.

Analysts remain divided on the significance of the handshake. Some believe it represents a genuine desire to de-escalate tensions and explore avenues for cooperation, while others view it as a perfunctory gesture with little bearing on the overall trajectory of bilateral relations. "It's too early to say whether this will translate into meaningful progress," said one South Asia analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Much will depend on whether both sides are willing to address the underlying issues that continue to fuel mistrust."

Looking ahead, any potential revival of ties would likely require addressing several key sticking points, including cross-border terrorism, the status of Kashmir, and trade relations. No further meetings between Indian and Pakistani officials have been announced, and the future direction of relations remains uncertain.