Bangladesh's foreign affairs are centered on maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries and active participation in regional and international organizations. Key aspects include:
India: Bangladesh has strong ties with India, especially in trade, security, and water-sharing agreements. Cooperation on counterterrorism and energy is also significant.
China: China is a major development partner, investing in infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Myanmar: Relations with Myanmar are strained due to the Rohingya refugee crisis. Bangladesh hosts over a million Rohingya refugees and advocates for their safe repatriation.
United Nations and Peacekeeping: Bangladesh is an active member of the UN, contributing significantly to peacekeeping missions.
US and Western Relations: Bangladesh maintains cordial ties with the US and European countries, focusing on trade, development aid, and labor rights, especially concerning the garment industry.
Islamic Nations: Bangladesh also engages closely with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on issues of mutual concern, including the Rohingya crisis.