India, Bangladesh Exchange Eid Greetings Amid Strained Ties; Leaders Call for Unity and Mutual Respect

New Delhi/Dhaka: In a gesture aimed at restoring diplomatic warmth, India and Bangladesh exchanged Eid-ul-Adha greetings, reaffirming their commitment to work together for the welfare of their citizens. The exchange comes at a time when bilateral relations are under strain following recent political upheavals in Bangladesh and ongoing trade tensions.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed gratitude for his Eid-ul-Adha wishes and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations.

“Your message reflects the shared values between our countries. I am confident that the spirit of mutual respect and understanding will continue to guide our nations to work together for the wellbeing of our peoples,” Yunus wrote in his June 6 letter, which was publicly shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Bangladesh’s interim government on Sunday.

Yunus further noted that “Eid-ul-Adha is a time of reflection, which brings communities together in the spirit of festivity, sacrifice, generosity and unity, and inspires us all to work together for the greater benefits of the peoples across the world.”

Responding in kind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter dated June 4, described Eid-ul-Adha as “an integral part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.” He emphasized the festival’s relevance in promoting peace, compassion, and brotherhood across societies.

“The festival reminds us of the timeless values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world,” Modi wrote.

A Diplomatic Pause Amid Political Shifts

This exchange of goodwill marks a rare moment of diplomacy after months of tension. Bangladesh’s political landscape has shifted significantly since former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024. Following her party’s ban in May 2025, relations soured between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh accusing India of political interference.

Further complicating matters is an escalating trade deficit of approximately $10 billion between the two countries, raising economic concerns in Dhaka.