President Donald Trump has distanced the United States from any involvement in Bangladesh’s ongoing political crisis. Speaking to the media alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a bilateral meeting in Washington, which primarily focused on trade and India-US relations, Trump dismissed concern regarding the situation in Bangladesh, making it clear that it was not a priority for his administration.
“I’ll leave it (to say) to Prime Minister Modi,” Trump stated in response to a journalist’s direct question about whether the US “deep state” played a role in Bangladesh’s regime change.
US Stance on Bangladesh
- India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Bangladesh was discussed between Trump and Modi.
- Modi shared his “views and concerns” on recent developments in Bangladesh.
- President Donald Trump distanced the US from Bangladesh’s political change, stating, “I’ll leave it (to say) to Prime Minister Modi.”
- This suggests a hands-off approach by the US and a shift in regional policy.
While much attention was given to economic ties, Trump’s remarks regarding Bangladesh highlighted a stark divergence in US policy. By declaring the issue to be India’s responsibility, Trump effectively signalled a hands-off approach, despite ongoing concerns over political stability in Bangladesh. This position contrasts with previous US administrations, which had taken a more active role in promoting democratic governance in South Asia.
Modi, who has been perceived as strengthening India’s regional influence, did not publicly elaborate on Bangladesh’s situation during the press conference. However, India’s engagement in Bangladesh has grown significantly, with New Delhi maintaining close ties with Dhaka’s government while also addressing concerns over regional stability. The lack of direct US involvement suggests a shift in Washington’s South Asia policy, reinforcing India’s leadership in handling Bangladesh’s political affairs.
Diplomatic experts had anticipated that Bangladesh would feature prominently in Trump-Modi discussions. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, later confirmed that the matter had been addressed during the leaders’ meeting. “On what we make of the statement on Bangladesh… this was a subject discussed between the two leaders. The Prime Minister shared his views and, indeed, his concerns with regard to recent developments in Bangladesh and how India perceives the situation,” Misri remarked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the fourth world leader to visit Donald Trump in the White House since the start of his second term as US President. Their relationship, often described as a “bromance” in media circles, remained evident throughout the meeting, with both leaders exchanging warm words while avoiding contentious issues.
US-India Relations and Trade Agreements
One of the primary topics of discussion was trade, particularly Trump’s newly announced “reciprocal tariffs,” intended to counterbalance import taxes imposed on US goods by foreign nations. Trump has long criticised India for its high tariff rates, even reportedly referring to Modi as the “king of tariffs.” However, at the meeting, both leaders announced their intention to pursue a “framework” for greater economic cooperation.
“Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed that we will be in negotiations to address the long-running disparities,” Trump stated. “We want a certain level playing field, which we really think we’re entitled to.”
The discussions extended beyond trade, covering collaborations in space exploration, international security, and energy partnerships. Modi, in turn, emphasised the ambition to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, compared to an estimated $129.2 billion in 2024.
Security and Strategic Cooperation
Aside from economic discussions, security issues also featured prominently in the talks. Trump pledged to increase US military sales to India “by many billions of dollars,” with a renewed commitment to combating global terrorism. Modi praised Trump for approving the extradition of Chicago businessman Tahawwur Rana, accused of supporting the 2008 Mumbai attacks. “India and the US will stand strongly together in the fight against terrorism,” Modi asserted.
While the meeting was expected to focus on countering China’s influence, discussions also touched upon broader strategic initiatives, including the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to enhance trade connectivity from India to the United States via Israel and Italy. Trump described it as a plan to “help build one of the greatest trade routes in all of history.”
Trump’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict
During the press conference, Trump faced repeated questions regarding his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. He revealed that he had spoken with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in what he described as “lengthy and highly productive” discussions. However, his comments on NATO expansion echoed Russian talking points, suggesting that Ukraine’s desire to join the alliance contributed to the conflict.
Modi refrained from commenting on the Russia-Ukraine war, though India has historically maintained strong ties with Moscow. The Biden administration had previously pressured India to reduce its oil imports from Russia, a stance that may see adjustments under Trump’s leadership.
Trump and Modi’s latest meeting underscored a deepening partnership between the US and India while raising questions about Washington’s evolving stance on South Asian politics. By deferring Bangladesh’s political situation to India, the US effectively acknowledged New Delhi’s growing regional influence while demonstrating a reduced commitment to direct engagement. The implications of this policy shift could have lasting effects on Bangladesh’s political landscape and broader US foreign policy in the region.
