China is poised to expand its influence in Bangladesh as relations with India deteriorate following the 2024 ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in exile in New Delhi, Reuters reported.

Axar.az reports that with elections set for February 12, leading political parties have signalled a cooler approach to India while welcoming deeper engagement with Beijing.

China has stepped up investment, diplomacy and defence cooperation, including a deal to build a drone factory near Bangladesh’s border with India. Analysts say Beijing is capitalising on strained India-Bangladesh ties, declining US engagement and political uncertainty in Dhaka.

Despite the shift, experts stress that Bangladesh is unlikely to sideline India completely due to geography, trade dependence and security cooperation. While ties with China are expected to strengthen, the next government is likely to pursue a balancing strategy rather than a full realignment.