Mango diplomacy or mixed signals? Why Bangladesh is wooing India now with its 'sweet outreach'

In this handout photograph taken and released by Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Office of Interim Government on April 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hands with de facto Bangladeshi leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus during their bilateral meeting on sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangladesh interim chief Muhammad Yunus has launched what appears to be a charm offensive aimed at India – sending mangoes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key political leaders as part of a long-standing tradition of diplomatic courtesies in South Asia, reports Dhaka Tribune.

However, behind the soft veneer of “mango diplomacy” lies a far more complex equation: Yunus’ administration has also formally requested the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister now living in exile in India, and is simultaneously deepening ties with China and Pakistan — two of New Delhi’s chief strategic concerns.

We try to understand why Bangladesh is trying to re-engage India, what’s fuelling tensions behind the scenes, and whether Dhaka’s recent moves are an act of goodwill or a high-stakes geopolitical balancing act.

‘Mango diplomacy’: A sweet gesture with serious implications

Last weekend, Yunus sent 1,000 kg of prized Haribhanga mangoes to PM Modi and top leaders in Delhi, including the CMs of West Bengal and Tripura, in a carefully orchestrated diplomatic gesture commissioned by Bangladesh’s Ministry of External Affairs.

This “mango diplomacy” follows Eid exchanges earlier in June: PM Modi’s Eid greetings to Bangladesh, and Yunus’s gracious reply. Such gestures aim to signal goodwill and reduce the chill in India–Bangladesh relations that set in after Hasina’s fall in August 2024.

The catch: Extradition push

In parallel, Yunus’ government has formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity and massacre allegations from the 2024 student-led protests.

Former Justice Minister Asif Nazrul and Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain confirmed letters are in motion, and the government is pursuing Interpol red notices. Authorities in Bangladesh are also freezing Sheikh Hasina’s personal assets and those of her family.

China and Pakistan

While wooing India, Dhaka has also deepened engagements with China and Pakistan — part of several trilateral dialogues.

China has boosted investment in Bangladesh, including a $1 billion economic package during Hasina’s 2024 visit. Meanwhile, Dhaka has been resetting ties with Pakistan. In April this year, Pakistan’s foreign secretary Amna Baloch visited Dhaka, marking the resumption of high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries after a hiatus of 15 years.

Bangladesh stayed neutral during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, but ties with Pakistan have warmed since Sheikh Hasina’s exit, marked by diplomatic talks, military meetings, resumed trade, and eased visa rules.

Why the mixed signals?

Bangladesh relies heavily on India for trade routes, energy supplies, and access to key imports like steel, electronics, and petroleum. A fallout with New Delhi could severely damage its economy, especially garment exports. Yet, the Yunus-led government is also trying to assert independence by strengthening ties with China and Pakistan and using the push for Hasina’s extradition as a political signal.

Bangladesh is using gestures like mango diplomacy and Eid greetings to ease tensions with India while pursuing extradition demands against Hasina. By mixing friendly signals with firm legal steps, Dhaka aims to maintain goodwill with New Delhi while addressing its own political agenda.