India should follow up Trump’s hint?

President Trump’s suggestion to PM Modi: “I leave Bangladesh to PM Modi”, is welcome. As per US media reports, some leaked files confirm US’s covert hand in destabilizing Bangladesh and overthrowing ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. The problem was created by Biden, who was supposedly close to Md. Yunus. Trump’s suggestion could, however, be a blessing-in-disguise for India to ward off China’s threat. Let me be more specific. The ruling dispensation in Bangladesh is an unelected, interim government, cosying up to China and Pakistan and receiving covert support from the ISI. China’s motive is to disturb the balance of power in the region by creating unrest in India. There is utter chaos in Bangladesh. It has lately  hinted at even scrapping the “uneven” international border fencing deal with India struck by Sheikh Hasina. The Hindu and other religious minorities are being tortured and their places of worship vandalized. This could not be possible without the covert and overt support of the interim government. Sheikh Hasina is on extended stay in India. Restoring the status quo ante by her safe return to power is important. The question is : Should India intervene militarily to create conditions conducive for holding general elections in Bangladesh? Diplomatic efforts alone may not suffice amid escalating violence and growing radicalism. The army is divided into several sections owing allegiance to different political parties. Trump’s advice comes in handy. To follow up his offer to India to handle Bangladesh on its own, concrete action is needed. China has its eyes set on the Siliguri corridor (Chicken’s neck),a crucial link between the North-east and the rest of India. It is strategically important and sensitive. India faces the perennial danger of untrustworthy China cutting off the chicken’s neck. To neutralise the threat, India must consider annexing northern-most territory of Bangladesh bordering Siliguri corridor and convert chicken’s neck into an elephant’s neck. China took over Tibet. No country except India protested. President Trump advocates taking control of Panama canal, Canada and Greenland. Then, why should India lag behind in neutralizing the threat perception from China?

A K Saxena (Former civil servant)