There is a recurring pattern across the Indian subcontinent: when times are good, countries often remember China, embrace the United States, and even find Pakistan to be a convenient partner. But when it comes to India, the rhetoric changes. Suddenly, India is accused of behaving like a “big brother,” interfering in domestic affairs, or failing to respect strategic autonomy. Yet when a serious crisis arrives, India is often the first country they turn to for help. We have seen versions of this pattern with Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, and Bangladesh now appears to be going through another such phase.
Bangladesh is currently facing a severe energy crisis. The country is experiencing a power deficit of more than 3 GW against daily demand of roughly 14 17 GW, meaning nearly 20% of its required electricity generation is unavailable. In rural areas and secondary cities such as Khulna, Rangpur, Sylhet and Rajshahi, prolonged power cuts have reportedly reached 8 10 hours or more. The crisis has become serious enough for electricity distribution companies to seek police protection amid public anger, vandalism and attacks on power infrastructure. Authorities have also instructed shopping malls, markets and shops to close earlier and have restricted decorative lighting and illuminated billboards in an effort to reduce electricity consumption.https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-says-examining-bangladeshs-request-for-more-fuel-amid-energy-crisis-11911954
How Bangladesh Reached This Energy Crisis
A major reason behind the crisis is a shortage of natural gas. On July 21, 2026, an LNG floating storage and regasification unit operated by Excelerate Energy was affected by a fire, significantly reducing Bangladesh’s LNG handling capacity. The situation has not yet fully recovered. At the same time, rough monsoon weather has made it difficult for some LNG cargoes to be unloaded, further worsening the shortage. Bangladesh is also receiving less electricity from India’s Adani power plant in Godda, Jharkhand, while some domestic power plants are struggling with coal shortages. With gas, coal and imported electricity all under pressure, Bangladesh has increasingly turned to diesel generators for agriculture, industry and backup power, creating another shortage diesel.
This is where India has once again become important. Bangladesh has requested additional diesel supplies from India, including through the India Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. India had already supplied additional diesel during the energy disruptions earlier this year. Bangladesh’s Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood reportedly met Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on August 6 and formally requested additional diesel beyond the existing allocation. The timing is politically striking: just one day earlier, Bangladesh had strongly criticised India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation in a meeting and statements about returning to Bangladesh.https://unbiasedpollkhol.com/
India has the capacity to help. It has substantial electricity generation capacity, interconnected power grids and diversified LNG supplies. India could potentially provide electricity, diesel and other energy resources if it chooses to do so. The real question, therefore, is not simply whether India can help Bangladesh it is whether India should continue providing such assistance without considering the broader strategic relationship.
From Magnanimity to Reciprocity
India has consistently maintained diplomatic outreach towards Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman received an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met him following the death of his mother. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also represented India at his swearing in ceremony. India therefore did not wait for Bangladesh to seek its assistance before attempting to establish engagement.
Yet Bangladesh’s early diplomatic choices appeared to move in a different direction. Tarique Rahman travelled to China and described China as one of Bangladesh’s most valued and trusted partners. Dhaka has expanded strategic and defence engagement with Beijing, including discussions involving defence cooperation, military equipment and greater Chinese involvement in major infrastructure projects. China has also become involved in projects such as the Teesta River development plan and has gained a larger role around the Mongla port region. Bangladesh has simultaneously strengthened engagement with Pakistan and Turkey, including military, diplomatic, aviation, shipping and visa links. Commercial cooperation with China is not inherently a problem. Bangladesh has every right to diversify its international partnerships. The concern for India arises when Chinese strategic infrastructure and defence cooperation expand in areas that directly affect India’s security interests, particularly around the Siliguri Corridor and India’s northeastern region. Similar concerns arise from discussions surrounding military cooperation, airbases and growing China Pakistan Bangladesh strategic engagement.
India also has significant economic leverage. Bangladesh depends on India for energy, trade routes and industrial inputs, while many Bangladeshi industries are connected to Indian supply chains. These are legitimate diplomatic and economic tools that can be used carefully without turning humanitarian assistance into political coercion.