A Big Surprise for India's External Affairs Policy

With Sheikh Hasina coming to power with a thumping majority, caught everyone by surprise. She is the most pro-India leader in Bangladesh and India would be more than happy having her at the helm in Bangladesh. What is more intriguing is the time at which she has come to power in the country right next door to us. With Pakistan cornered, in Saarc, Pakistan would have been much happier with Jamaat and BNP in power in Bangladesh. This would have eased the pressure on them through the Saarc channel. But with Sheikh Hasina at top, known for her anti-Pakistan tendencies, it is now clear that India has gained another ally in quick succession. I wonder if Hasina's win had anything to do with the MEA policy of India. It is a far fetched idea, but not an impossible one. India had always wanted Jamaat to be kicked out of political domain for its support to HuJI, the islamic militant group operating inside Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi people's suffering had increased over the past years because of this rule. It was evident from their economic collapse last and this year. Sheikh Hasina's return promises Bangladesh a brighter future as the ties with India will definitely improve. It would further enhance India's position as an ally of Bangladesh, provided that India's MEA takes proper steps to keep this good relationship going on.