Jaishankar Meets Tarique Rahman in Dhaka Amidst Tensions, Handshake Goes Viral

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka for former PM Khaleda Zia's funeral, his first visit since Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
• Jaishankar met BNP leader Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia's son, and handed a condolence letter from PM Modi.
• Their handshake went viral, seen as significant amidst rising India-Bangladesh tensions and Pakistan's attempts to infiltrate relations.
• Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years and is a strong contender for the upcoming Prime Minister elections.
• The meeting is interpreted as India's strategic effort to improve future relations with Bangladesh, given Tarique's growing prominence.

Why It Matters: Jaishankar's meeting with Tarique Rahman signals India's strategic outreach amid Bangladesh's political shifts.