Strategic Dual-Roles of Indian Missions in Bangladesh

Reading Time: 3 minutes India and Bangladesh share a complex and multifaceted relationship rooted in history, geography, and strategic cooperation. Over the years, India has maintained a significant diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, including its High Commission in Dhaka and Deputy High Commissions in Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi. These missions conduct a wide range of official functions: issuing visas, hosting cultural events, and facilitating bilateral engagements across development, education, and security. However, with Bangladesh recalibrating its foreign policy posture following major political transitions in 2024, increased scrutiny has been placed on the activities of foreign diplomatic missions, including whether India’s diplomatic presence has, at times, extended into unofficial domains such as intelligence coordination. India’s diplomatic network in Bangladesh is one of the most expansive of any country operating in the region. This includes regional consulates in cities beyond Dhaka a reflection of both its commitment to outreach and its interest in