Jaishankar to Attend Khaleda Zia's Funeral Amid Tensions: India's Big Message

• Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 in Dhaka after a prolonged illness.
• India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend her funeral on December 31.
• The visit is seen as a significant message to reiterate historical ties and strengthen India-Bangladesh relations amid prevailing tensions and anti-India narratives.
• PM Modi expressed condolences, recalling his cordial meeting with Zia in 2015 and her contributions to Bangladesh and bilateral ties.
• Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, is considered a strong candidate for the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Why It Matters: India's EAM attending Khaleda Zia's funeral signals a strong message of continued bilateral ties.