Dhaka Tribune
Considering the importance of the India factor in
Bangladesh’s internal politics, India’s role in the Rohingya crisis will be
under microscopic scrutiny in Bangladesh, and could decide the country’s
election
During External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s recent
visit to Myanmar, India categorically conveyed that it wants the “safe, secure
sustainable” return of the Rohingya refugees. The statement crystallizes the
Indian perspective on the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Up till now, India has been perceived as reticent to take
any firm stance on the issue, and that reticence is substantially impacting
India’s image as a regional leader. India’s dilly-dallying was a disappointment
both in the global arena and in its neighborhood, particularly for Bangladesh.
India’s recent shift arises out of its effort to reclaim its position in the
region, particularly in Bangladesh.
In her two-day state visit to Myanmar on May 10 and 11,
Indian Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj held meetings with
top leaders, including Myanmar’s Foreign Minister and State Counselor Aung San
Suu Kyi and the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, Senior General
Min Aung Hlaing. Apart from bilateral issues, the situation in Rakhine state
came up in her discussions. Here, Swaraj’s stress on the safe and sustainable
return of the Rohingya is most important.
A close analysis of the use of the word “sustainable”
suggests India is echoing similar desires to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is
insisting on the safe and sustainable return of the refugees, thus urging the
long-term resolution of the problem. Swaraj also reiterated India’s support to
Myanmar in addressing issues in Rakhine. Further, she expressed India’s
readiness to help Myanmar in implementing the recommendations of the Rakhine
Advisory Commission. To facilitate the sustainable return of the Rohingya,
India had signed an agreement with Myanmar in December 2017.
Bangladesh has been receiving Rohingya migrants at
regular intervals since the early 1980s. However, the flow of Rohingya refugees
from Myanmar increased significantly starting in August 2017; around 700,000
have crossed the border, the largest influx of refugees in recent history.
The Rohingya crisis has been a test of India’s
neighborhood diplomacy since it involved two of India’s close neighbors,
Myanmar and Bangladesh. India was hesitant in taking any bold stance as it did
not want to displease either neighbour.
Officially, India and Bangladesh maintained a cordial
relationship, but there was a feeling of despair among the people in Bangladesh
regarding India’s approach. The present move by India might have come late, but
certainly it is a force multiplier. Repatriation of the Rohingya is one of the
burning issues facing Bangladesh and even more so for Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina, who is up for re-election later this year.
Considering the importance of the India factor in
Bangladesh’s internal politics, India’s role in the Rohingya crisis will be
under microscopic scrutiny in Bangladesh, and could decide the country’s
election. It’s worth noting that Hasina is often accused by her opponents of
favoring India. And in the short term, India’s upgraded stance will help to
create a better atmosphere for Hasina’s scheduled visit to West Bengal later
this month, where she is likely to meet Modi.
The present statement by India should not just be used to
defuse sentiments in Bangladesh, however. Rather it should mark the beginning
of a more active Indian stance.
India needs to work on a long-term policy on the Rohingya
issue; however, its interests need to be factored in. Resolution of the
Rohingya crisis will require continuous efforts.