The government has not given any official reason behind giving the protocol equivalent to a cabinet minister to Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, but available indications suggest that this decision is a message of strategic priority being given by India to Bangladesh. Relations between India and Bangladesh are not going well since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina. In recent times, efforts to improve relations under the Neighbor First Policy have started.
first example of Dinesh Trivedi It was decided to appoint him as High Commissioner in Dhaka. Trivedi’s posting was a political and diplomatic message different from the traditional IFS appointment. Trivedi, a former Union Minister, experienced MP and well-versed in Bengal politics and Bengali language, was sent to Dhaka at a time when there is a challenge to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations.
Strategy behind giving ministerial status
Now giving him the protocol equivalent to a cabinet minister for ceremonial purposes only is being considered as part of this broader strategy, so that the protocol and diplomatic importance of India’s representative in high-level government functions and official events in Bangladesh increases. However, the government has clarified in its order that this status is limited only to personal and formal functions and there is no change in his constitutional or administrative rights.
They could be seen as an attempt to reinvigorate India-Bangladesh relations, restore trust amid the changed political scenario in Bangladesh, and provide a strategic response to China’s growing influence. Dinesh Trivedi has a deep understanding of West Bengal politics, Bengali language and border issues, hence he is being seen not just as a diplomat but as a representative for establishing political dialogue.
Now giving him protocol equivalent to a cabinet minister only for formal functions further strengthens the message that India wants to give more political and diplomatic importance to its representative in Dhaka.
The issue of Bangladesh is very sensitive
When the government sends a senior politician or former minister to a sensitive country instead of a normal diplomat, its purpose is not only to run the embassy but also to establish political dialogue at the highest level.
Dinesh Trivedi’s profile is different from the normal appointments of MEA. He is a former Railway Minister, former Minister of State for Health, has been an MP several times, and is familiar with Bengal politics and Bengali language. His appointment came at a time when India is trying to normalize relations after 2024.
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