India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in Dhaka on December 31, 2025, signaling a potential thaw in relations after years of mistrust between India and the BNP. The meeting took place during a gathering of regional leaders for the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away on December 30.

Jaishankar conveyed condolences and presented Rahman with a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a post on X by Jaishankar featuring photos of the meeting. The gesture is being interpreted by analysts as a significant shift in India's approach towards the BNP, a party that has historically been viewed with suspicion in New Delhi.

The relationship between India and the BNP has been strained for years, rooted in differing perceptions of regional security and historical grievances. India has often accused the BNP of harboring anti-India elements and supporting Islamist extremism, while the BNP has criticized India for allegedly interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs and supporting the ruling Awami League.

The Awami League, currently led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has maintained close ties with India, fostering cooperation on trade, security, and infrastructure development. However, the BNP remains a significant political force in Bangladesh, and its exclusion from constructive engagement with India has been a source of regional instability, according to some observers.

"This meeting could represent a 'new phase' in India-Bangladesh relations," said Dr. Smriti Patel, a South Asia expert at the Institute for Strategic Studies in London. "Recognizing the BNP as a legitimate political actor and opening channels of communication is crucial for long-term stability in the region."

The move comes at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for its next general election, and the political landscape remains highly polarized. Engaging with the BNP could allow India to play a more neutral and constructive role in ensuring a free and fair electoral process, analysts suggest.

While the meeting is a positive step, challenges remain. Overcoming years of mistrust and addressing underlying concerns will require sustained dialogue and concrete actions from both sides. The future trajectory of India-BNP relations will likely depend on the BNP's willingness to address India's security concerns and India's commitment to respecting Bangladesh's sovereignty and political independence. The next steps will be closely watched by regional and international actors alike, as they could have significant implications for the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia.