“If We Had Not Helped Her…”: Shashi Tharoor On Sheikh Hasina’s Relationship with India 2024 Exclusive

Shashi Tharoor

“If We Had Not Helped Her…”: Shashi Tharoor On Sheikh Hasina’s Relationship with India

Tharoor Reflects on Historical Ties and Strategic Importance of Bangladesh-India Relations

Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Indian politician, diplomat, and author, recently made headlines with his candid remarks about the relationship between India and Bangladesh, particularly in the context of Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. In a discussion that touched on the deep historical ties between the two nations, Tharoor highlighted India’s crucial role in supporting Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations.

Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor

The Historical Context

The relationship between India and Bangladesh is deeply rooted in history, with the two countries sharing not only a geographical border but also cultural, linguistic, and historical bonds. The most significant chapter in their shared history is the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, during which India played a pivotal role in supporting the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi liberation forces) and ultimately ensuring Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan.

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been a central figure in the country’s politics for decades. Her leadership has been closely linked with India’s support, particularly during times of political turmoil and threats to her government. Tharoor’s comments reflect this historical connection and underscore the importance of India’s role in shaping the political landscape of its neighbor.

Tharoor’s Remarks: “If We Had Not Helped Her…”

During a recent event, Tharoor made a pointed remark about Sheikh Hasina’s tenure and the support she received from India, stating, “If we had not helped her, she would not be where she is today.” This statement, while simple on the surface, carries significant weight, as it touches upon the delicate balance of power, diplomacy, and historical responsibility that India holds in its relationship with Bangladesh.

Tharoor’s assertion is a recognition of the role India has played in ensuring the stability and continuity of Sheikh Hasina’s government, particularly in the face of political challenges and opposition within Bangladesh. It also highlights the symbiotic nature of the relationship, where both nations Shashi Tharoor have benefited from mutual cooperation and support.

India’s Support for Sheikh Hasina

India’s support for Sheikh Hasina has been multifaceted, encompassing diplomatic backing, economic assistance, and security cooperation. Over the years, India has provided crucial support during key moments in Hasina’s political career. This includes backing her government during periods of internal strife and ensuring her safety in the face of threats from extremist groups and political rivals.Shashi Tharoor

One of the most notable instances of India’s support was during the 2014 Bangladeshi general elections, when Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League faced significant opposition. India’s diplomatic backing played a crucial role in legitimizing the election results and maintaining stability in the region. Additionally, India has been a key partner in various economic and infrastructural projects in Bangladesh, further strengthening Hasina’s position and contributing to the country’s development.

Strategic Importance of Bangladesh-India Relations

Tharoor’s comments also underscore the strategic importance of Bangladesh in India’s foreign policy. Bangladesh, with its strategic location, serves as a vital link between India’s northeastern states and the rest of the country. The relationship between the two nations is not just about historical ties but also about contemporary strategic interests, including trade, security, and regional stability.

India has invested significantly in strengthening its ties with Bangladesh, recognizing the country’s importance in its “Neighborhood First” policy. This policy emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong, positive relationships with India’s immediate neighbors, and Bangladesh is a key partner in this regard.

Security cooperation is another critical aspect of the relationship. India and Bangladesh have collaborated extensively on counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, and border management. The two countries share a long and porous border, making cooperation essential to prevent cross-border terrorism, smuggling, and illegal migration. India’s support has been instrumental in helping Bangladesh tackle these challenges, further solidifying Sheikh Hasina’s position as a leader committed to maintaining peace and security in the region.

Economic Ties and Development Cooperation

Economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh has flourished under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, with India emerging as one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners. The two countries have signed numerous agreements aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and connectivity. India has also extended lines of credit to Bangladesh, funding various infrastructural and development projects, including power plants, roads, and ports.

These economic ties have not only benefited Bangladesh’s development but have also provided India with access to new markets and opportunities for its businesses. The increased connectivity between the two nations, through initiatives such as the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) motor vehicle agreement, has also facilitated greater regional integration and cooperation.

Tharoor’s remarks highlight the importance of continuing this economic partnership, recognizing that the prosperity and stability of Bangladesh are inextricably linked to India’s own strategic interests.

The Future of India-Bangladesh Relations

As Sheikh Hasina continues her tenure as Prime Minister, the relationship between India and Bangladesh is poised to grow even stronger. Tharoor’s comments serve as a reminder of the historical bonds that unite the two nations and the importance of preserving and nurturing this relationship in the years to come.

However, the relationship is not without its challenges. Issues such as the Rohingya refugee crisis, water sharing disputes, and border management continue to test the bilateral ties. Both countries will need to navigate these challenges with diplomacy and mutual respect to ensure that their partnership remains strong and resilient.

Tharoor’s emphasis on India’s role in supporting Sheikh Hasina also suggests a broader commentary on India’s responsibility in ensuring the stability and prosperity of its neighbors. As a regional power, India has a vested interest in promoting peace, security, and development in South Asia, and its relationship with Bangladesh is a crucial component of this strategy.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Partnership and Cooperation

Shashi Tharoor’s remarks about Sheikh Hasina and India’s role in her political journey are a reflection of the deep and enduring relationship between India and Bangladesh. This relationship, forged in the crucible of history, continues to evolve, shaped by mutual interests, shared values, and a commitment to regional stability.

As both nations look to the future, the partnership between India and Bangladesh, symbolized by the support extended to Sheikh Hasina, will remain a cornerstone of South Asian geopolitics. Tharoor’s statement, “If we had not helped her,” is not just a reflection on the past but a call to continue nurturing this vital relationship for the benefit of both nations and the region as a whole.

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