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India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Dasheri, Langra, Haribhanga and diplomacy: The many flavours of mango
Amid Dhaka's strained relations with New Delhi, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gesture came about a month after PM Modi extended Eid al-Adha greetings to Yunus and the people of Bangladesh. The gift might be a signal of continuity as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who's now in self-imposed exile, too sent mangoes. Mangoes, a fruit that is native to the Indian subcontinent, have played a juicy role in diplomacy, including one involving China's Mao Zedong and consignment of Haribhanga mangoes – a premium variety from northern Bangladesh – was dispatched to PM Modi last weekend, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Not just the Prime Minister, the mangoes will also be shared with PMO dignitaries, diplomats, and other Dhaka-based newspaper added that the interim government is also sending mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, continuing the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and the state. Last Thursday, Yunus sent 300 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to Tripura CM Manik Saha, said the Dhaka Hasina would send mangoes and Hilsa fish to CMs of Bengal and some Northeast states due to their proximity to the mangoes were routed to India through the Akhaura land gesture is significant against the backdrop of India-Bangladesh tensions since Hasina's August 2024 ouster. Her seeking asylum in India following student-led protests stirred anti-India sentiments in Yunus government, too, has shown signs of leaning toward China, with Beijing ramping up investments and loans under its Belt and Road this move by Yunus mirrors Hasina's balancing act, tiptoeing between Indian and Chinese this is not the first time mangoes have been used as a diplomatic gift. It's been in practice for decades, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Here are the instances when mangoes sweetened ties between MANGO DIPLOMACY IN THE 1950sIn the 1950s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru leveraged mangoes as a diplomatic tool to foster goodwill with foreign reportedly gifted mangoes to dignitaries during their state visits to India. When travelling abroad, Nehru carried mangoes as gifts.A report in The Indian Express narrates a notable instance from 1955 when Nehru gifted eight saplings of Dasheri and Langra mangoes to then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. The saplings were meant for planting in Guangzhou's People's mangoes were a return gift for Zhou, who, in November 1954, had showered Nehru with a slew of exotic and precious gifts, that included a pair of spotted deer, a pair of red crested cranes, and 100 goldfish, according to the reports suggest that Nehru also gifted mangoes to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during his 1955 visit to instances established mangoes as a soft power tool in India's early MANGO GIFT TO MAO ZEDONGIn August 1968, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mian Arshad Hussain gifted a crate of mangoes to Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong during a diplomatic reported by the BBC, Mao, uninterested in the fruit himself, redistributed the mangoes to factory gift arrived at a time when Mao was seeking to reassert his authority amid factional struggles, and the mangoes became an unexpected propaganda at Beijing's Tsinghua University, where Mao sent one mango, preserved it in formaldehyde and created wax replicas for display across the weren't common in China replicas were paraded in processions, with one factory even placing a mango replica on an altar, where workers paid daily BBC notes that a worker ignorant of the fruit's significance was executed for comparing a mango to a sweet imagery also appeared on posters, badges, and household gesture seemingly strengthened Pakistan-China ties, as Pakistan sought to counterbalance India's regional influence, particularly after the 1965 India-Pakistan UL-HAQ'S GIFT OF MANGOES TO INDIRA GANDHIIn 1981, Pakistan's military ruler Zia ul-Haq sent mangoes to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a goodwill gesture, as per a report in the news agency the gesture did not resolve deep-seated conflicts between India and Pakistan, it was seemingly a gift that Indira Gandhi appreciated, as per mangoes gifted by Zia to Indira Gandhi was known as Anwar Rataul in Pakistan and Rataul in India. Named after a Uttar Pradesh village, it sparked a cultural tug-of-war between the two nations over its activist and mango aficionado Sohail Hashmi told PTI that soon after the gift, mango enthusiasts and experts said Ratauls only grew in India and what was gifted to Indira were "fakes". Hasmi said farmers from Rataul presented their case to Gandhi, asserting the mango's Indian roots.'The mango is called Rataul because it was developed here,' Hashmi told PTI. 'Some people who migrated to Pakistan took cuttings and began cultivating the variety in Multan.'Though both countries claim it, its role as a diplomatic gift between two arch-rivals shows how important mangoes have been in India-Pakistan diplomacy since the TIES WITH THE USDuring his visit to India in March 2006, US President George W Bush reportedly expressed a keen desire to taste Indian mangoes. At the time, a nearly two-decade-long ban had barred Indian mango exports to the interest prompted a deal with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, leading to the launch of the "mango initiative".As a result, Indian mangoes re-entered the American market. On April 27, 2007, a shipment of 150 boxes arrived at New York's John F Kennedy Airport in what The New York Times called "probably the most eagerly anticipated fruit delivery ever".US officials reportedly said the export marked the commitment of both nations to deepen trade relations and create fresh economic opportunities for their SHARIF TO NARENDRA MODIIn July 2015, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent a box of mangoes to PM Modi, as well as then-President Pranab Mukherjee, former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill, The Dawn Modi and other recipients acknowledged the gift, it did little to ease tensions between India and the decades, mangoes have served as a form of diplomatic currency across Asia, especially within the Indian subcontinent. Though such gestures may not have notably eased India-Pakistan tensions, Yunus' continuation of Hasina's tradition might be a signal from Bangladesh to India.- EndsMust Watch
The Print
7 days ago
- Business
- The Print
By reviving Hasina-era mango diplomacy with India, Yunus govt signals ‘business as usual'
The mango shipments were coordinated by Bangladesh's Ministry of External Affairs and followed an earlier exchange of Eid greetings between the two governments. PM Modi had extended wishes to Muhammad Yunus, his counterpart in Dhaka, who reciprocated the wishes. While consignments of mangoes were also sent to other South Asian countries, and states in India, including key political figures in West Bengal and Tripura, one notable omission stood out: Assam. New Delhi: Earlier this week, Dhaka dispatched 100 kg of its prized Haribhanga mangoes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuing a tradition of 'mango diplomacy' that began under Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The seasonal exchange came at a time of considerable political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Earlier Thursday, Yunus sent 300 kg of the popular mangoes as a gift to Tripura CM Manik Saha. Each year, the Bangladesh government sends seasonal gifts to the Tripura state government and prominent individuals. In a reciprocal gesture of goodwill, Tripura sends Bangladesh its renowned Queen variety pineapples, known for their sweetness and juiciness. On the surface, the gift baskets appeared to signal a thaw in ties, which turned frosty following Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. But the timing of the gesture gives it deeper, more strategic undertones, particularly the omission of Assam from the list of recipients. In June, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had told the state Assembly that authorities 'pushed back [into Bangladesh] almost 330 people' who they suspected of being foreigners. Also Read: Yunus initiates 'mango diplomacy' in bid to strengthen ties with China. 50-yr water sharing plan soon 'Business as usual' Even as it revives Hasina-era mango diplomacy, the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus is recalibrating its regional strategy and moving decisively to deepen ties with China and Pakistan. Beijing, already a major player in Bangladesh, had announced a $1 billion economic package during Hasina's final months in office. The interim government has signaled its intent to build on that investment. In a parallel move, relations with Pakistan have also warmed considerably. In April, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch visited Dhaka in what marked the first high-level engagement between the two countries in over 15 years. Since Hasina's departure, both nations have resumed military dialogues, reactivated trade agreements, and relaxed visa requirements. Notably, Bangladesh maintained a neutral stance during the most recent flare-up between India and Pakistan, a move interpreted by many as a signal that Dhaka is seeking to expand its strategic flexibility in the region. Last month, China hosted the first-ever trilateral meeting between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan in Kunming, in the southwestern province of Yunnan. In a statement released after the meeting, the Chinese foreign ministry said the three nations had 'reaffirmed their commitment to genuine multilateralism and open regionalism,' emphasizing—apparently with India in mind—that the cooperation 'is not directed at any third party'. Analysts say these developments point to a quiet but unmistakable shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy outlook. 'Bangladesh is signaling that it's business as usual,' Mubashar Hasan, Bangladeshi political analyst and researcher at the University of Oslo, told ThePrint. Adding, 'While the country takes pride in its mangoes, the gesture also reflects a broader shift—unlike during Hasina's tenure, Dhaka no longer views India as its primary regional ally. India maintained a realist foreign policy and aligned with Hasina's rhetoric while she was in power. Although India's stance remains largely unchanged, Bangladesh's political outlook has clearly evolved.' By engaging with China and Pakistan while keeping diplomatic courtesies alive with India, Bangladesh appears to be walking a careful tightrope while asserting greater autonomy. As for mango diplomacy, while symbolic, has a history in the subcontinent. In 1986, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi famously gifted mangoes to Philippine President Corazon Aquino. In 2008, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari sent a crate to then-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a gesture of goodwill. Bangladesh has also used mangoes as a soft power tool. In 2023, Hasina sent a similar consignment to Indian leaders to encourage progress on the long-stalled Teesta water-sharing agreement. Now, the Yunus administration is actively pursuing the extradition of Hasina, living in exile in India, to face charges stemming from the brutal crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. She has been accused of crimes against humanity and has now been indicted as well. Authorities in Dhaka have also begun freezing the assets of Hasina and her family. Justice Minister Asif Nazrul and Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain confirmed that formal extradition requests have already been sent to New Delhi. India has so far not responded to any of the requests. (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read: Indian mangoes land in America and become 'ticking time bombs'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Dhaka sends Haribhanga mangoes for Didi
1 2 Kolkata: A consignment of 200kg of the famed Haribhanga mangoes from Dhaka reached Kolkata on Wednesday evening for chief minister Mamata Banerjee as Bangladesh continued its "mango diplomacy" to serve as a goodwill gesture between the two nations. Haribhanga mango is an indigenous variety that is primarily grown in the northern Bangladesh district of Rangpur. These mangoes are regarded as a symbol of good luck and prosperity and are associated with Bengali New Year celebrations.
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First Post
14-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Mango diplomacy after Eid letter: Is Yunus seeking to reset ties with Modi?
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to PM Narendra Modi, days after exchanging Eid greetings through letters. Amid strained ties since Sheikh Hasina's exit, this sweet gesture follows a long tradition of mango diplomacy in Asia, signalling a possible shift in Dhaka's approach toward New Delhi read more Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has initiated what many are referring to as 'mango diplomacy' with India. According to Dhaka Tribune, a consignment of 1,000 kilogrammes of Haribhanga mangoes, a highly prized variety cultivated in northern Bangladesh, was dispatched to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key political leaders in New Delhi over the weekend. The gesture, coordinated by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is being seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort by the current caretaker administration in Dhaka to re-engage New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Alongside Modi, mango consignments are also being delivered to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. According to officials at the Bangladesh High Commission in India, the gifts are intended for distribution among dignitaries in the Indian Prime Minister's Office and the diplomatic corps. This consignment is part of a longstanding tradition in the subcontinent, where seasonal fruits — especially mangoes — are used as tokens of goodwill. Bangladesh, in particular, has often engaged in such symbolic exchanges with Indian states and leaders. Does Yunus want to mend ties with Modi? The mangoes followed a diplomatic exchange earlier in June when Modi sent Eid-ul-Adha greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Yunus. In a return letter dated June 6, Yunus noted PM Modi's message that 'reflects the shared values' and the connect between the two nations. He continued, 'I am confident that the spirit of mutual respect and understanding will continue to guide our nations to work together for the wellbeing of our peoples.' Describing the religious festival as 'a time of reflection, which brings communities together in the spirit of festivity, sacrifice, generosity and unity,' Yunus used the opportunity to highlight the importance of working collaboratively across borders for the broader good. In his own letter dated June 4, Modi had described Eid-ul-Adha as 'an integral part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India' and stated the values of 'sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood' as central to building inclusive and peaceful societies. Though diplomatic courtesies such as these are customary during religious festivals, this particular sequence signals a more deliberate attempt to re-engage at a time when formal diplomatic ties have been significantly stressed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strained Bangladesh-India relations India's relationship with Bangladesh has undergone a considerable shift since the dramatic fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024, following months of youth-led protests. The unrest, marked by widespread violence and a reported death toll exceeding 1,000, culminated in Hasina's abrupt departure from Dhaka. Since August 5 last year, the former prime minister has been living in India, where she remains in self-imposed exile. India's discomfort with the new dispensation has been evident. The administration under Yunus — appointed as head of the interim government — has drawn criticism from New Delhi over a range of issues, including its perceived mishandling of communal violence targeting minorities and a noticeable diplomatic tilt towards China and Pakistan. Bangladesh, on its part, has accused India of meddling in its domestic affairs and expressed strong resentment over what it called 'unwanted Indian interference.' Meanwhile, the domestic political environment in Bangladesh remains unsettled. Several opposition parties have been pressing for early national elections and a return to full-fledged democratic rule. While Yunus has indicated that elections could be held by the end of 2025, he has publicly stated that he does not intend to contest them himself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The political vacuum and the broader strategic uncertainty have prompted Dhaka to recalibrate its foreign policy. In the last year, Bangladesh has notably deepened its engagement with China. With over $7 billion in investments and a debt burden exceeding $6 billion, China plays a significant role in Dhaka's economic and infrastructural development. Bangladesh is also part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese President Xi Jinping's flagship transcontinental infrastructure project. Why Bangladesh still needs India Despite its outreach to Beijing, Bangladesh remains deeply interlinked with India, both geographically and economically. Nearly 94 per cent of Bangladesh's 4,367-kilometre border is shared with India, and the country's geo-position makes its economy heavily reliant on Indian access points for trade and transportation. This proximity not only creates logistical dependency but also grants Dhaka considerable leverage as a vital corridor for India's northeastern states. From food staples like rice, wheat, onions, and sugar, to raw materials such as cotton and iron, Bangladesh imports a wide range of essentials from its western neighbour. India also supplies refined petroleum, electronic equipment and construction materials vital to Bangladesh's urbanisation and industrial growth. Any prolonged downturn in relations with India would significantly impair Bangladesh's economy. A reduction in cross-border trade or delays in supply chains could lead to inflation, job losses and a drop in GDP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) industry — the backbone of its export economy — depends heavily on Indian textile inputs. Disruptions to this supply would directly affect foreign revenue and employment in the sector. These realities make it evident that Dhaka cannot afford to alienate New Delhi entirely, even as it cultivates strategic ties with other powers. India, for its part, sees Bangladesh as a crucial partner in regional connectivity, security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. What is mango diplomacy? Using mangoes as a soft diplomatic tool is not new in South Asian politics. The gifting of mangoes, particularly high-quality regional varieties, has long been a symbol of hospitality and friendship in the region. In 2023, then-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent mangoes to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friendly gesture during stalled negotiations over the Teesta water-sharing agreement. The practice has also been observed in other regional contexts. In 2008, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari gifted mangoes to then-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking to open the door for bilateral dialogue. Going further back, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presented mangoes to Philippine President Corazon Aquino during a state visit in 1986. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD West Bengal and Tripura have often received seasonal mango gifts from Dhaka, reciprocated in kind by the Indian states. This year, Tripura received 300 kilogrammes of Haribhanga mangoes, packed in 60 cartons and delivered through the Akhaura land port. Tripura's signature offering in return has traditionally been the Queen variety of pineapples, renowned for their flavour. While these fruit exchanges are largely symbolic, they serve a purpose in maintaining a working relationship even during periods of political discord. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ties bitter, but Bangladesh mango diplomacy still sweet enough
File photo: PM Modi meeting Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus (ANI) DHAKA: Bangladesh has sent a consignment of the famed Haribhanga mangoes for PM Narendra Modi as it continues its "mango diplomacy", started by former PM Sheikh Hasina , to serve as a sweet symbol of goodwill between Dhaka and New Delhi despite phases of tension between them following her government's fall last year. Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to PM Modi as a gesture of friendship between the two neighbours. The consignment is scheduled to reach New Delhi on Monday, officials said. The Yunus-led interim government in Dhaka has also sent consignments to states bordering Bangladesh. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura CM Manik Saha are among the recipients. Bangladesh has a long-standing tradition of sending seasonal gifts, particularly mangoes, to the Indian PM and state leaders to reinforce cultural ties and regional diplomacy.
