India’s foreign policy has changed a lot since the days of Jawaharlal Nehru. Back then, it was a shy country that focused on non-alignment. Now, India has turned into a strong country that often takes bold actions in the region. Some people say this growth is just a natural step for such a big nation, but there is more to the story. If we look closer, we can see that India’s strong stance abroad may be a way to distract from issues at home, like rising inequality, conflicts between communities, and unrest in different regions.

From Unity to Expansion

India’s desire to expand its territory started soon after it gained independence. In the late 1940s, it took over princely states like Hyderabad and Junagadh. This set an early example of how India would acquire new territories; often using military force. In 1961, India took Goa without a peaceful agreement, breaking international rules. This pattern continued with the annexation of Sikkim in 1975, where India caused political issues to make its takeover seem justifiable.

The Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 was a significant moment for India. By providing the Mukti Bahini forces with logistical supports, India helped East Pakistan break away. Unsuspecting observers thought that this help as a good deed. But it also showed India’s willingness to use regional chaos for its own gains. After Bangladesh was formed, India began to take more aggressive steps with its renamed neighbour.

Covert Operations in the Region

India’s hands-on approach in neighbouring countries has become a common story. In Bangladesh, there has been a lot of talk about India interfering in local politics. For example, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 is often connected to Indian interests. After him, many believe India had a role in the assassination of the nationalist leader Ziaur Rahman, whose economic and social policies were quickly strengthening Bangladesh’s economy and its relationship with the US and the Middle East.

Recently, confessional testimonies of some former military officers revealed after Sheikh Hasina’s government fell point to India’s involvement in several chaotic events in Bangladesh. One shocking incident was the 2009 mutiny by the Bangladesh Rifles, which resulted in the deaths of 57 military officers. There were also claims about India using religious groups, like ISKCON, to manipulate situations within Bangladesh. The arrest of Chandan Kumar Dhar, aka Chinmoy Krishna Das, a controversial ISKCON monk, raised alarm bells. Allegations against him are numerous— inciting riots, sexual abuse and other serious crimes. Many saw Indian officials backing him as a serious interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty, risking their diplomatic relationship.

This pattern of interference is not just limited to Bangladesh. India has notable influence in Bhutan, often disrupts economic activities in Nepal, and has faced troublesome relations with countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Ongoing border disputes with China further show India’s thirst for power, sometimes risking peace in the region.

India’s Policy towards Its Neighbours: A Distraction from Problems at Home?

Internal Struggles amid External Actions

India’s aggressive moves abroad often happen when there are big problems at home. Even though it is the fifth-largest economy in the world, India has a huge gap between the rich and the poor. A report from Oxfam in 2023 revealed that the top 10% of the population holds more than 77% of the wealth.

Social issues are also worrying. The conflict in Manipur in 2023 showed just how serious things are, with violent clashes causing many deaths and forcing people from their homes. The desire for separation among groups in northeastern states like Nagaland and Mizoram highlights discontent among many communities. On top of that, the current government’s anti-minority policies have only worsened the tension, with inflammatory language leading to more unrest.

The rise of Modi has intensified many of these problems. His focus on Hindu nationalism has widened divides among religious and ethnic groups. As these issues fester, his government often points fingers at external threats, pulling attention away from what is happening internally. By making people worry about outside dangers, Modi’s administration tries to keep discussions around domestic failures out of the spotlight.

The Impact on Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been a major target of India’s assertive foreign policies. Reports show that from 2008 to 2024, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) killed over 2,000 Bangladeshi civilians at the border, which raised significant international concern. While these actions have faced criticism, they highlight how far India is willing to go to maintain control.

Other incidents show just how strained the relationship has become. Indian media often runs with inflammatory stories, and followers of ISKCON were recently connected to the murder of a lawyer in Bangladesh, sparking communal violence. Bangladesh’s careful response shows a commitment to calmness, avoiding major riots that might erupt in India under similar circumstances.

Meanwhile, Indian media paints Bangladesh as a place struggling with human rights violations, often seen as an attempt to justify possible interventions later.

Religious Influence and Its Risks

The case of Chandan Kumar Dhar, the ISKCON monk, is troubling for many reasons. Charged with severe accusations like inciting religious violence and child abuse, the support he receives from Indian politicians raises eyebrows about interference in Bangladesh’s internal issues.

Using religion as a tool to exert influence is a worrying strategy for India. When religious sentiments are played upon, it can easily lead to chaos in neighbouring nations. The tragic murder of the Muslim lawyer at the hands of ISKCON followers, stirred by Indian propaganda, highlights the severe consequences of this approach.

India’s shift from a neutral country to one with aggressive foreign policies showcases a strategic image. While its ambitions may seem like a normal step for a growing nation, they highlight deeper issues at home that could hurt its social fabric. The push for interference in neighbours’ affairs serves as a way to rally local support while distracting from its inner struggles.

In the end, India must understand that leading the region does not mean controlling others. Real leadership will come from respect, peace and cooperation— principles that will not only strengthen India’s place in South Asia but also help it deal with its own pressing issues.
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The writer is an Associate Professor, American International University-Bangladesh