At a high-profile event at Chatham House, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus didn't mince words: "We want good ties with India… but something always goes wrong" , he remarked, expressing frustration that stated intentions often turn sour in practice . Yunus emphasised that Bangladesh’s drive for strong relations with New Delhi is sincere; however, invisible forces - "some people say one thing and do another" - keep straining the partnership .

Since his interim government took charge in August 2024, Yunus has sought to balance regional diplomacy. He has reiterated that Bangladesh and India are historically intertwined and must remain close allies, while urging relations built on fairness and equality . Dhaka has pursued renewed dialogue, including a potential first-ever in-person meeting between Yunus and PM Modi, and sought a reset in trade, border, and water-sharing cooperation .

Yet the fog of misinformation and political propaganda continues to cast "clouds" over relations, he warned . As Bangladesh edges toward elections in 2026 and navigates shifting geopolitics, Yunus’ call is clear: words are easy, consistency is key. Will both neighbors finally clear the fog - and make real what they promise?