Beyond mango diplomacy: The real test for India and Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh remain bound by deep historical, cultural and economic ties despite growing diplomatic tensions over border security, migration and Sheikh Hasina's extradition. While gestures such as mango diplomacy may help create goodwill, experts argue that lasting progress will depend on sustained dialogue, political trust and pragmatic cooperation on security, trade and shared regional interests.

Tanvia Barua
10 min read
Beyond mango diplomacy: The real test for India and Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural and linguistic ties, shaped by a common past, the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War, the lives of border communities and growing economic interdependence. For this reason, whenever tensions emerge between the two neighbours, symbolic gestures often acquire significance alongside formal diplomatic engagement. 'Mango diplomacy' and 'hilsa diplomacy' are among the most recognisable examples.

Most recently, Bangladesh sent 100 kilograms of Haribha...

Join the Inscript family today to read the full article

All of Inscript's work, open to subscribers

Investigation, opinion, analysis
at just ₹149 - all of it within your reach

Subscribe
Already a Subscriber? Sign in
Written by
Tanvia Barua
Tanvia Barua
7 Followers

Read more

Five key reasons: Why Trump suffered major setback in the US midterm elections

Donald Trump, US midterm elections: Trump's Republicans face a major midterm setback as rising prices, the Iran war, immigration concerns and voter dissatisfaction reshape America's political landscape.

A wounded Trump, a weakened Netanyahu: What next for the world order?

Trump’s midterm setback and Netanyahu’s failure to secure a parliamentary majority in Israel signal a potential realignment in global politics. What lies ahead for the war with Iran? Will US-Israel relations undergo a shift? And what could these electoral setbacks mean for the future of the international order?

Aber Kawas: First Palestinian-American Muslim woman elected to the New York State Senate

Aber Kawas: Winning New York's 12th State Senate District, Aber Kawas has made history as the first Palestinian-American and the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

Abdul El-Sayed makes history as America’s first Muslim senator: A blow to Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric?

Ahead of the election, US President Donald Trump and several leaders of his party openly campaigned against El-Sayed, resorting to anti-Muslim rhetoric. They sought to portray him as a threat to American national security by foregrounding his religious identity.

Trump defeated: What lies ahead for Washington?

#US Midterm Elections 2026: Major Setback for Republicans. Why Did Trump Suffer a Political Rout, and What Lies Ahead for Washington?

Midterm Elections: Trump's opponents poised to win congressional majority

US Midterm Elections 2026: Democrats begin to pull ahead of Trump's Republicans in congressional race

SIR: Was West Bengal the principal target all along?

SIR in West Bengal: How systematic is the alleged plan to strip citizens of their voting rights? What do the Election Commission's role, judicial observations, alleged digital manipulation and claims of targeting minorities reveal?

The ₹11,000 crore question: How much did Delhi’s traders really lose to the Ramlila rally?

Ramlila Rally Loss Claims: The claims that 2.5 lakh shops were shut and small traders suffered losses of ₹10,000–11,000 crore are estimates by Delhi's Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), based on figures shared in WhatsApp groups. The BJP and Congress have turned these disputed numbers into political weapons.