Goa, April 19 -- The reported decision by the Narendra Modi government to appoint Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union minister and current BJP leader, as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh marks a notable departure from India's traditionally career-diplomat-driven foreign postings. If implemented, it would place a seasoned political figure in one of India's most strategically sensitive neighbourhood assignments, replacing diplomat Pranay Verma, who is set to move to Brussels.

Trivedi's background-as a former Railway Minister under the UPA government and later a BJP entrant-adds a political dimension to what is usually a professional diplomatic role. Supporters of such a move may view it as an attempt to strengthen political signalling an...