Bangladesh-India Tensions Escalate: Sheikh Hasina Extradition Demands, Border Disputes & Diplomatic Crisis
November 23, 2025 | Regional Diplomacy Crisis | South Asia Security
By Diplomatic Affairs Correspondent
South Asia & Regional Diplomacy Analyst
Focus: India-Bangladesh relations, border security, diplomatic crises
Bangladesh demands Sheikh Hasina's extradition; India maintains cautious stance amid escalating diplomatic tensions and border disputes.
India-Bangladesh relations have reached a critical juncture with Bangladesh's interim government formally demanding the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently sheltered in India. This marks the third extradition request since November 17, 2025, when Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced Hasina to death in absentia on charges of "crimes against humanity"[web:85][web:93].
The diplomatic crisis stems from multiple factors: Hasina's ouster in August 2024, her refuge in India, rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus's interim government, border disputes, trade restrictions, growing China-Pakistan influence, and concerns over the Siliguri Corridor—a critical land bridge connecting India's isolated northeast. These tensions threaten to destabilize the region and affect counterterrorism cooperation, trade, and strategic stability[web:87][web:89][web:88].
The diplomatic crisis stems from multiple factors: Hasina's ouster in August 2024, her refuge in India, rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus's interim government, border disputes, trade restrictions, growing China-Pakistan influence, and concerns over the Siliguri Corridor—a critical land bridge connecting India's isolated northeast. These tensions threaten to destabilize the region and affect counterterrorism cooperation, trade, and strategic stability[web:87][web:89][web:88].
Sheikh Hasina Extradition Crisis
⚖️ ICT Verdict Details (November 17, 2025)
- Court: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh
- Conviction: Death sentence (capital punishment)
- Charges: "Crimes against humanity" during crackdowns on 2024 protests
- Verdict: Delivered in absentia (trial without defendant present)
- Co-Defendant: Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal (then Home Minister) also sentenced to death
- Date of Sentence: November 17, 2025
- Nature of Trial: Controversial; legal legitimacy questioned by international experts[web:87]
📋 Extradition Requests Timeline
- First Request: December 2024 - Bangladesh seeks Hasina's extradition
- India's Response: Acknowledged receipt; no further comment on substantive request
- November 17, 2025: ICT delivers death sentence
- November 20, 2025: Bangladesh Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announces intention to send formal letter
- November 22, 2025: Official extradition request letter sent (second formal request)
- November 23, 2025: Third extradition request confirmed sent (third formal demand)
- Bangladesh Threat: Warned extradition refusal would be considered "unfriendly act"[web:85][web:93]
🛡️ India's Stance & Legal Position
- Official Statement (Nov 18): "India has noted the verdict... remains committed to best interests of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability"
- Extradition Unlikely: India will not extradite Hasina; legal experts confirm this[web:87]
- Legal Basis: 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty exists, but India has discretion[web:93]
- Strategic Calculation: Hasina in India provides negotiating leverage with Bangladesh; her extradition would weaken India's position[web:87]
- NSA Dialogue: India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Bangladesh's Khalilur Rahman (Nov 21-22) for talks[web:91]
- Diplomatic Tactic: India invited Rahman to regional maritime security conclave to ease tensions[web:87]
👤 Sheikh Hasina's Status
- Age: 78 years old
- Position Before: Prime Minister of Bangladesh (August 2024 ousted)
- Current Location: India (sheltered since August 2024)
- Why India?: Historic ally relationship; India was her refuge during past political turmoil
- Political Legacy: "Dream partner" for India; steered Bangladesh pro-India policy for years
- Future Status: Remains key political figure; February 2026 Bangladesh elections may bring different political dynamics[web:85][web:87]
Border Disputes & Security Concerns
Recent Border Incidents
- November 2025 Flare-up: BSF-BGB confrontation near Sribhumi-Zakiganj border in Assam over land reclamation[web:86]
- Trigger: BSF found Bangladeshi farmers cultivating on submerged Indian land; when water receded, locals resisted BSF reclamation efforts
- Resolution: Flag meeting between BSF and BGB; BGB acknowledged land was Indian territory and agreed to remove Bangladeshi cultivators
- Pattern: Repeated border incidents, encroachments, and misunderstandings increasing friction
- Fencing Dispute: India pushing border fencing; Bangladesh opposes "smart fencing" initiatives (drones, radars, satellites)[web:92]
- Concerns: Illegal immigration, cattle smuggling, drug trafficking, insurgent safe havens[web:92]
The Siliguri Corridor Threat
Strategic Vulnerability:
The Siliguri Corridor (also called "Chicken Neck") is India's only land connection to its northeast region. It is sandwiched between Bangladesh and Nepal, only ~22 km wide at narrowest points.
India's Nightmare Scenario: A hostile Bangladesh aligned with China and Pakistan could threaten to choke off the corridor, isolating India's northeast (8 states, 50+ million people)[web:89].
Muhammad Yunus's Alarming Statement (March 2025): During a China visit, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh's strategic position: "India's northeast is completely landlocked, and its access to the ocean is completely controlled by Bangladesh. The Siliguri Corridor is the only route connecting the northeast with rest of India, and this connection passes through Bangladesh"[web:89].
India's Response: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma threatened military action if Bangladesh threatens the corridor. A former naval commander suggested India could split off a 17-km-wide area of southeastern Bangladesh (Chittagong) into the Bay of Bengal[web:89].
Underlying Causes of Tension
- Sheikh Hasina's Ouster (Aug 2024): Mass protests against her government; she fled to India; Muhammad Yunus heads interim government
- "De-Indianisation" Policy: Yunus regime systematically reducing India's influence; improving ties with China and Pakistan[web:88]
- China's Growing Presence: China building military infrastructure in Bangladesh (submarine base in Pekua); Yunus inviting Chinese economic foothold[web:89]
- Hindu Minority Issue: Arrest and sentencing of prominent Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu; asset freezing; triggered Indian protests[web:88]
- Trade Restrictions: Both sides imposing trade barriers; disrupting economic cooperation
- Delayed Projects: Bangladesh slowing Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal transport agreement progress[web:88]
- Anti-India Sentiment: Rising public anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh; legacy of 1971 Liberation War influencing perceptions[web:88]
- Military Buildups: Bangladesh renovating airfields and reviving WWII-era Lalmonirhat airbase near India-Bangladesh border (March-April 2025)[web:88]
India's Diplomatic Dilemma
- ✓ Loss of "Dream Partner": Hasina was India's most reliable ally in Bangladesh; her ouster deals strategic blow
- ✓ Northeast Border Security: Counterterrorism cooperation vital for India's stability in northeast; Bangladesh distancing threatens this
- ✓ China's Encroachment: China consolidating presence in Bangladesh; potential strategic threat to India
- ✓ Holding Hasina in India: Provides leverage but strains ties; extradition refusal deemed "unfriendly" by Dhaka
- ✓ Elections in February 2026: Yunus regime promises elections; outcome uncertain; could bring pro-India government back or worse
- ✓ Three-Year Challenge: India must navigate strained ties until elections; maintain strategic position without escalating
- ✓ Options Before India: (1) Remain neutral, let elections proceed; (2) Use influence to ensure inclusive elections with Awami League[web:87]
Recent Diplomatic Efforts
November 21-22, 2025: NSA-Level Talks
- Meeting: Ajit Doval (India NSA) meets Khalilur Rahman (Bangladesh NSA)
- Venue: India (New Delhi regional security summit)
- Outcome: Tensions slightly eased; Rahman invited to Indian visit
- Agenda: Regional maritime security, counterterrorism, border management
- Signal: India trying to rebuild channels amid tensions[web:91]
Key Statements from Bangladesh Officials
- Law Adviser Asif Nazrul: "India has an added responsibility to return Hasina and Kamal; they are now 'fugitive convicts'"
- Threat Assessment: Bangladesh considering approach to International Criminal Court (ICC) if India doesn't extradite
- Extradition Demand: Three official requests sent; persistence signals political pressure from Jamaat-e-Islami and others[web:85]
📝 For Competitive Exam Aspirants:
Key Facts to Remember:
- ✓ Crisis Trigger: Sheikh Hasina's death sentence (Nov 17, 2025) by ICT-Bangladesh
- ✓ Extradition Requests: 3 formal requests sent to India (Dec 2024, Nov 22, Nov 23, 2025)
- ✓ Hasina's Status: In India since August 2024; sheltered as historic ally
- ✓ Yunus Regime: Muhammad Yunus heads interim government since August 2024
- ✓ ICT Conviction: Death sentence for "crimes against humanity" (in absentia trial)
- ✓ India's Response: Will NOT extradite; maintains diplomatic caution
- ✓ Border Issues: November 2025 Sribhumi-Zakiganj flare-up; fencing disputes; encroachments
- ✓ Strategic Threat: Siliguri Corridor vulnerability; Bangladesh-China-Pakistan alignment risk
- ✓ Elections Expected: February 2026 Bangladesh elections may reset ties
- ✓ NSA Meeting: Ajit Doval-Khalilur Rahman talks (Nov 21-22) for diplomatic engagement[web:93]
India-Bangladesh Bilateral Basics (For Exams):
- • Diplomatic Relations: Established 1971 (Bangladesh independence)
- • Border Length: 4,096 km (one of world's longest)
- • Extradition Treaty: 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty in force
- • River Water Sharing: Ganges Waters Dispute Treaty (1996)
- • Land Boundary Agreement: 2015 final settlement after decades of disputes
- • Strategic Projects: Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal transport agreement (BBIN)
Expected in Exams: UPSC Prelims/Mains (International Relations), IFS, SSC CGL, Banking IBPS, NDA/CDS, State PSC, AAPSC exams
📚 Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Pattern:
- • UPSC Prelims 2024: India-Bangladesh border disputes; recent agreements [1-2 marks]
- • UPSC Mains 2023: "India's role in Bangladesh's political stability" [Descriptive, 10 marks]
- • IFS 2024: Regional diplomacy; South Asian stability [Descriptive, 10 marks]
- • SSC CGL 2024: Bangladesh government change; political leaders [1 mark]
- • Banking IBPS 2024: Current affairs on India-Bangladesh ties [1 mark]
- • NDA 2024: Siliguri Corridor significance; national security [2 marks]
- • State PSC 2024: Northeast India security; border management [2 marks]
💡 Exam Tip: India-Bangladesh questions test: border disputes, water-sharing, recent political changes, strategic importance of northeast, Siliguri Corridor vulnerability, and diplomatic crises. Sheikh Hasina extradition issue likely to appear in 2026 exams.
🎯 Expected Question Formats in Future Exams:
- • MCQ: "Who is the interim PM of Bangladesh (as of Nov 2025)? (A) Sheikh Hasina (B) Muhammad Yunus (C) Khaleda Zia (D) Khalilur Rahman"
- • MCQ: "What is the Siliguri Corridor? (A) Trade route (B) Land bridge connecting India's NE (C) River border (D) Shipping lane"
- • Assertion-Reason: "Assertion: India won't extradite Sheikh Hasina. Reason: She's sentenced to death in Bangladesh."
- • Fact-Based: "Name the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty and year of signing."
- • Descriptive: "Analyze the geopolitical significance of India-Bangladesh tensions for South Asian stability" (10-15 marks)
Why This Matters for India
- ✓ Northeast security: Bangladesh pivot to China threatens India's vulnerable northeast region
- ✓ Siliguri Corridor: Strategic choke point; any hostility could isolate 8 states
- ✓ Counterterrorism: Loss of cooperation increases insurgency risk in northeast
- ✓ China containment: Bangladesh alignment with China weakens India's regional position
- ✓ Trade disruption: Economic ties fraying; reduced mutual benefit
- ✓ Strategic credibility: How India handles Hasina question affects its standing globally
- ✓ Long-term outlook: Elections in Feb 2026 could reset ties positively or negatively
— End of Report —
Sources:
- India Today, Times of India, Al Jazeera, The Quint, Foreign Policy, South Asian Voices, WION, Brighter Kashmir, News18, MEA statements, November 2025
- International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh, Ministry of External Affairs, official government press releases
