India's closeness with Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's former leader, once a proud bond for stability and shared goals, is now a spicy diplomatic puzzle! Hasina ruled for 15 years, bringing peace and good ties that India loved. But last year, student protests toppled her. Hasina fled to India and faces a death sentence in Bangladesh for harsh actions against protesters. Bangladesh's new interim government, led by Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus, demands Hasina's extradition. But India says a big No! This puts Delhi in a tight spot. Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert, says India has four tricky options: send her back (which India hates), keep things as they are (risky with new government coming), silence her (unlikely she will agree), or find a third country (very hard to find one agreeing). India’s refusal is clear: “India prides itself on not turning on its friends,” Kugelman explains. This friendship began with India helping Bangladesh become a country. Today, the two share a dense trade and energy bond. Bangladesh is India's top South Asian trade partner, buying lots of raw materials and energy from India. India has also lent huge sums, built railways, and sends electricity and fuel across the border. But things are changing fast! Yunus’s government is rewriting Bangladesh’s foreign playbook. They're canceling deals, slowing down India-led projects, and cozying up with China, Pakistan, and Turkey. A survey says over 75% of Bangladeshis now like China more than India — a dramatic shift from the past. Yet, experts say trade and culture often stay strong even if politics shifts. Professor Sanjay Bhardwaj points out that even when a less friendly party ruled Bangladesh before, business kept growing. For India, the stakes are huge. The 4,096 km border with Bangladesh is fragile and partly made of rivers. Chaos next door could cause security troubles and refugee flows. Avinash Paliwal from SOAS says India must talk patiently with all sides in Bangladesh, including the army. Next year’s elections in Bangladesh hold the key. A fair vote might bring calm and a chance to fix ties. But if the new government uses Hasina to block India, relations could stay rocky. In the big picture, India must balance standing by friends—even those with messy records—and facing criticism for sheltering Hasina. Was backing her for so long a risky bet? Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, says, “Foreign policy isn't driven by public perception or morality.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s internal politics are messy and unstable. How much the next leaders let Hasina's saga affect relations will decide if India and Bangladesh can move forward. According to Kugelman, a major crisis is unlikely, but the friendship may stay fragile and full of tension. The India-Bangladesh story today is a spicy blend of old friendships, tough choices, shifting alliances, and hopes for peace. Will Delhi and Dhaka find a way through this political rollercoaster? Watch this space!