The Indian hegemony in South Asia | Yeni Şafak Exclusive with Dr. Mahmudur Rahman

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, an adviser to the former Prime Minister and Executive Chairman of the Board of Investment in Bangladesh, is a renowned human rights activist, author, academic, and critic of global Islamophobia.

In an exclusive interview with Yeni Şafak, Rahman examined India's pursuit of regional dominance in South Asia since its independence in 1947. He argued that India, leveraging its economic and military strength, had sought to establish itself as the hegemonic power in the region. This ambition led to interventions in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Rahman highlighted that India exerted significant control over Bhutan through a formal treaty, which restricted Bhutan's ability to pursue an independent foreign policy. In Bangladesh, he contended that India effectively imposed a quasi-colonial relationship by supporting a puppet government, undermining the country’s sovereignty and democratic processes. He pointed to the lack of genuine elections, widespread corruption, and the heavy dependence on India as evidence of this control.

Rahman also discussed the strategic alliance between India and Western powers, particularly the U.S., which viewed India as a crucial ally against China and Islamic threats. This alliance provided India with international support despite its controversial actions in South Asia.

Despite the state of affairs, Rahman expressed hope that India’s dominance, similar to its past control over the Maldives and Sri Lanka, might not be sustainable.

Note: The interview took place just a few days before Sheikh Hasina's resignation and subsequent escape to India. Rahman expressed hope that Hasina's government would soon collapse, and indeed, it fell within just two weeks.

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