Pahalgam attack: Modi’s tourism success in Kashmir shattered

Since the independence of Bangladesh, India has been regarded as a trusted neighbor. Over the years, the bilateral relationship has been shaped not only by political realities but also by evolving multilateral economic engagements. However, economic relations between the two countries have often come under strain following political transitions in Bangladesh.

Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, driven by a vibrant manufacturing sector, a growing middle class, and a steady rise in export earnings. As the country prepares for its transition from least developed country (LDC), attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) has become increasingly vital to sustaining this momentum.

Water is the lifeblood of Bangladesh, a delta nation intricately woven with rivers and wetlands. Yet, this abundance of water has paradoxically become a source of distress due to rampant pollution, unsustainable extraction, and climate-induced challenges.

For decades, India was a popular destination for Bangladeshi medical tourists, due to its geographical proximity, affordable healthcare services. Bangladesh contributes a large portion (around 50-60%) of India`s medical tourism inflow, making it the primary source of international patients for many Indian hospitals.

Between 8 and 13 April 2025, a series of protests and violent incidents engulfed Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district along the Indo–Bangladeshi border under the Indian state of West Bengal, over the adoption of the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Indian Parliament earlier this month. Three people were killed in the violence, and more than 274 people have been detained over the incidents.