The current tumultuous developments in Bangladesh offer India a rare opportunity to “de-personalise” its relationship with Bangladesh. Accused for years of preferring the Awami League over the BNP, India found it impossible to conduct normal relations with the governments of Bangladesh, irrespective of which of the parties headed it.

India’s long term interest lies in staying, and being seen as, neutral, within the domestic politics of Bangladesh. Mukherjee could use his consultations in Dhaka to signal clearly that India is prepared to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and is open to constructing a relationship that is based on realism and mutual benefit and not on the basis of ideology or political

preference.

As the caretaker government and the Army in Dhaka send positive signals to India on range of issues, from trade and transit to terrorism, Mukherjee must reaffirm India’s own strong commitment to address the many grievances that Bangladesh has nurtured over the years. Put another way, there is a big moment in Dhaka that Mukherjee cannot afford to let slip by.