Chinese Influence in Bangladesh: A Threat to India’s Regional Dominance?

The two most notable Asian giants of the century are China and India. China's rapid ascent in South Asian nations in recent years has alarmed India’s dominance. Bangladesh is a sought-after partner for China due to its strategic location in the Bay of Bengal. Previously, India seemed to have a significant amount of control over Bangladesh. However, India's long-standing concerns about its power over Bangladesh have gradually been eroded by China's growing influence in the political, military, economic, and infrastructure spheres. The paper demonstrates the degree to which China has already surpassed India in Bangladesh's key industries. It also determines if China's increasing influence in Bangladesh is weakening India’s image in South Asia by examining regional ramifications, repercussions for Bangladesh's foreign policy, and India-Bangladesh relations.