Bangladesh hosts about 90 per cent Muslims of its total population, along with other minorities, making it one of the largest Muslim-majority countries in the world. On the contrary, despite India having a Hindu-majority population, about 210 million Muslims have been living in India, which is almost 15 per cent of its total population, making it the third-largest Muslim-populated country in the world. Both Bangladesh and India have a long-standing historical attachment through religions, languages, attire, customs and many other cultural affinities.

Last Saturday, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh hosted an iftar event, inviting ministers of the present government, officials, and members of other political parties. The High Commissioner of India, Pranay Kumar Verma, said, “India has always supported — and will continue to support — a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.” Through this remark, he clearly conveyed Delhi’s intention to rebuild the fractured relations following the events of the August 5, 2024 uprising.

He also added, “Our two nations share a rich history and profound cultural connections. The indelible memory of our shared sacrifices during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 continues to unite our peoples.” Through this statement, he diplomatically highlighted the depth of the relationship between the two countries. Even though it was primarily a religious gathering, he strategically referred to their shared ethnic and historical ties, particularly the memories of the 1971 Liberation War. By invoking this collective past, he attempted to emphasise the longstanding emotional and cultural bonds that continue to shape and strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Cultural Diplomacy as Soft Power

Cultural diplomacy is a form of soft power involving the exchange of ideas, art, language and culture to foster mutual understanding and enhance a nation’s image. It acts as a tool for international dialogue and trust-building. Often, it is utilised to shape relationships in a new phase.

History shows that after times of tension or conflict, cultural diplomacy has been crucial in mending or strengthening ties between nations. For instance, cultural exchanges such as the well-known ping-pong diplomacy in the early 1970s helped gradually rebuild relations between the United States and China. In a similar vein, nations like France and Germany strengthened reconciliation following World War II by encouraging cooperative institutions, educational exchanges and shared cultural initiatives. Through popular culture, travel and cultural exchanges, cultural diplomacy also contributed to the normalisation of relations between South Korea and Japan.

These examples show how people-to-people interactions, cultural ties and shared heritage can serve as useful instruments for re-establishing confidence and reconstructing bilateral relations between countries. In the case of Bangladesh–India relations, these cultural affinities could work tremendously.

Iftar Diplomacy and People-to-People Engagement

The Indian envoy also conveyed his best wishes to the people of Bangladesh observing the holy month of Ramadan, expressing hope that the sacred month would bring peace, prosperity and well-being to all. His effort to connect Bangladeshi citizens with Indians is noteworthy and could help generate momentum to reshape bilateral relations.

At the iftar gathering, attended by civil society members, ministers, bureaucrats and other distinguished guests, High Commissioner Verma emphasised the shared aspirations of Bangladesh and India. He stated that both nations stand at the threshold of a promising future as two vibrant and forward-looking societies.

The event served as a platform to strengthen people-to-people connections and diplomatic goodwill between the two neighbours. By bringing together influential members of Bangladeshi society, the gathering reflected a clear intention to foster deeper engagement between Indian representatives and Bangladeshi citizens. It also highlighted the importance of mutual understanding, cultural exchange and cooperative dialogue in advancing bilateral relations.

Cultural Exchanges Between the Two Neighbours

Historically, cultural exchanges have played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and India. For instance, during the annual celebration of Durga Puja in Kolkata, Bangladesh has exported tons of hilsa fish to India as a gesture of cultural goodwill, symbolising the deep-rooted cultural and social ties between the two nations. Such exchanges have contributed not only to cultural bonding but also to strengthening socio-economic cooperation.

Similarly, the mutual exchange of films between the two countries has long reflected their shared cultural affinities and common heritage. In this context, utilising an iftar gathering during the holy month of Ramadan to engage with Bangladeshi society can be seen as a constructive diplomatic effort by India to move bilateral relations forward.

This initiative deserves appreciation, as it demonstrates an approach that values the relationship with Bangladesh beyond political divisions, recognising the nation and its people as a priority in fostering long-term friendship and cooperation.

(The author is a foreign policy and security analyst and educator who holds a postgraduate degree from the Department of International Relations, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. Views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at alaminislamshuvo16@gmail.com.)