India’s Geo-Blocking of Bangladeshi Media Sparks Concerns Over Press Freedom and Bilateral Relations

In a development drawing regional concern, India has geo-blocked four Bangladeshi television channels (Jamuna TV, Ekattor TV, BanglaVision, and Mohona) on YouTube, citing “national security” concerns. The takedown, executed through requests to YouTube, was said to be prompted by rising tensions with Pakistan. However, analysts and regional observers argue that the underlying reason is India’s increasingly strained diplomatic relationship with Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The blocked channels—reportedly known for airing political discourse critical of India’s influence in Bangladeshi politics—are no longer accessible to Indian audiences. Digital rights group Dismislab confirmed that the Indian government initiated the removal through YouTube’s content restriction protocols, but the opaque nature of the action has led to questions about political motivations.

While the Indian government officially pointed to escalating tensions with Pakistan, including drone skirmishes and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, foreign policy experts suggest that the blocking of Bangladeshi media is less about Islamabad and more about Dhaka. The deterioration of Indo-Bangladesh relations after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, and her subsequent asylum in India, has led to a sharp reversal in bilateral tone. New leaders in Bangladesh have moved to diversify strategic partnerships with China, the Gulf states, and Türkiye—moves New Delhi perceives as unfriendly.

India, ranked 151st in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, continues to fall behind regional neighbours such as Bangladesh (ranked 149th). Once hailed as a bastion of democratic pluralism, India has in recent years drawn criticism for restricting independent journalism, prosecuting dissent, and consolidating media ownership under pro-government interests.

According to a 2025 Guardian report, journalists in India face intimidation, surveillance, and violence, with anti-national or “security” justifications routinely used to target press entities. The blocking of foreign outlets, particularly those critical of Indian foreign policy, follows a broader trend of state influence over digital platforms and social media content.

The move comes amid growing discomfort in Dhaka over India’s political posturing. Many Bangladeshi citizens and officials see the blocking of their media as a reflection of India’s unwillingness to accept the shifting geopolitical balance in South Asia, particularly after Dhaka’s refusal to act as a junior partner in regional security frameworks.

The decision also raises wider questions about transnational digital rights and sovereignty. Experts note that YouTube’s compliance with national takedown requests—while legal under platform policy—may become a tool for larger powers to suppress smaller states’ voices in the global information space.

As the dust settles, India’s geopolitical positioning appears to be at odds with its democratic values. Its attempt to justify the blocks as a response to the Pakistan threat seems increasingly unconvincing when viewed against the backdrop of its deteriorating rapport with Bangladesh.

Sources:

• The Business Standard. (2025). YouTube geo-blocks 4 Bangladeshi TV channels in India, citing national security concern. Retrieved from https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/youtube-geo-blocks-4-bangladeshi-tv-channels-india-citing-national-security-concern
• Reporters Without Borders. (2025). 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/2024-world-press-freedom-index-journalism-under-political-pressure
• The Guardian. (2025). “They threatened to bulldoze my house”: fear and violence stalk journalists in Modi’s India. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/ng-interactive/2025/may/04/they-threatened-to-bulldoze-my-house-fear-and-violence-stalk-journalists-in-modi-india
• Le Monde. (2024). Sheikh Hasina, India’s cumbersome guest. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/08/15/sheikh-hasina-india-s-cumbersome-guest_6716062_4.html
• Scroll.in. (2025). As ties with India nosedive, Bangladesh makes overtures to China. Retrieved from https://scroll.in/article/1081760/as-ties-with-india-nosedive-bangladesh-makes-overtures-to-china
• Dismislab. (2025). Geo-blocking Report Summary. Internal memo.