Her name is Uzra Zeya, an Indian-American born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States. She works in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs as the Undersecretary for Security and Human Rights, Democracy, and Governance. Despite his Indian heritage, her roots are in Bihar, India.

However, she received his education at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She gained significant importance during the Obama administration. During the Trump era, she faced difficulties and allegations of not receiving promotions due to his skin color.

This is good news. Whether or not the meeting between both parties concludes, Uzra Zeya will be visiting Dhaka. Prior to her visit to Dhaka, her significant journey is his visit to India. Furthermore, Uzra Zeya’s visit to the country before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US is also noteworthy. Prior to Narendra Modi's visit, there were sudden debates and discussions triggered by letters from six US Congress members regarding Bangladesh elections, creating an unexpected rift—almost like a stitch in time.

It seems that even the United States is not interested in ruining diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. India has also made it clear that the United States should not engage in actions that hinder India's sovereignty. Even in the field of foreign policy, they prioritize their own interests. This conversation between India and the United States is taking place at a time when tensions or disputes along the China-India border are increasing, not decreasing. And right before Uzra Zeya met with Dalai Lama, China has strongly reacted. They consider the meeting between the US delegation and the Dalai Lama as very negative. They stated that the Dalai Lama is not a spiritual leader but a political figure who is engaged in a political agenda against China. When India adopts a policy against China, it is not appropriate for India to give importance or encourage any visit that expresses disrespect for different Chinese policies.

In terms of diplomatic relations, respecting the sovereignty of different nations can often lead to conflicting opinions. For example, when democracy is undermined in countries like Pakistan or Myanmar and military rule is established, it is often observed that the United States supports military rule. They support military rule not to support democracy but for their own interests. Similarly, they sometimes try to impose their views on democratic nations, which may not be in the interest of those nations.

Foreign policy operates at multiple levels. Since the United States is the first country in the Western world, it has the advantage of dictating terms. This applies to India and Bangladesh as well. Even in the case of Mexico, when the United States took any undemocratic steps, such as when Trump declared war on North Korea, India did not actively engage in discussing its internal policies with the Indian delegation sent to the United States. They did not discuss human rights issues even though they are responsible for human rights. However, they often try to influence their views in small independent and sovereign nations, not necessarily in the interest of those nations but for other ulterior motives.

In this context, China is clearly the biggest enemy of the United States now. In this situation, India and Bangladesh, as a coalition, become very important for the United States. Therefore, the visit to Bangladesh by Uzra Zeya and the importance given to the BIMSTEC summit is also significant. It has gained importance globally in relation to the importance of the global South over the global North. This is why India has invited Bangladesh for the G20 summit this year, and the United States is paying attention to this meeting.

In this situation, Uzra Zeya's visit to Bangladesh was particularly relevant before the elections in Bangladesh. The tensions between Bangladesh and the United States have been somewhat resolved from both sides. Sheikh Hasina also clearly mentioned and criticized the many actions of the United States in the National Parliament of Bangladesh. The United States wants to resolve the debates regarding these issues. They have provided assistance not only in economic matters but also in diplomatic matters, including giving assurance about assistance to the Rohingya. From Sheikh Hasina's perspective, this is also a fruitful diplomacy. From India's perspective, this entire journey is also progressing in a positive direction. This means that it is not about creating an axis between Bangladesh and India to engage in a war with China in the Bay of Bengal; rather, Bangladesh and India both have the same belief in resolving conflicts with China through diplomatic means. However, regardless of any possibility or any situation, it is also a responsibility of India. Currently, both Bangladesh and India are preparing for elections. Bangladesh, India, and the entire sub-region have achieved a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations through Uzra Zeya's visit.

Writer: Special Correspondent of The Daily Kaler Kantho in New Delhi.