Relations between Delhi and Dhaka have become increasingly strained following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in Bangladesh, with the interim government now in power. However, today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok to address key concerns affecting both nations.
In the meeting, which was also attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Prime Minister Modi raised India’s concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community. He urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that could further escalate tensions, referencing recent controversial comments by Yunus on India’s Northeast region.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to supporting a democratic, stable, and inclusive Bangladesh and reiterated the long-standing cooperation between the two countries that has benefitted people on both sides. "India believes in a people-centric approach to the relationship," Misri stated. The Prime Minister also urged that any rhetoric that could disrupt the atmosphere between the two countries should be avoided, noting the importance of maintaining border stability and preventing illegal border crossings.
Addressing concerns over the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh, Modi expressed his expectation that the Bangladeshi government would ensure their security. He also called for a thorough investigation into reported atrocities against minorities.
In response, Yunus highlighted the historical ties and deep-rooted friendship between India and Bangladesh, particularly recalling India’s support during Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971. Yunus sought India's backing for a Free Trade Agreement among the BIMSTEC members and requested discussions on the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty and the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement.
On the issue of the extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus accused her of making inflammatory remarks that could destabilize Bangladesh and asked India to take action against her. In turn, Yunus rejected reports of attacks on minorities, claiming they were exaggerated and much of the news was "fake." He assured that his government had implemented an effective monitoring system to address religious and gender-based violence.
This was the first meeting between the two leaders since Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh following the August 2024 political upheaval. The meeting’s significance is heightened by Dhaka’s increasing closeness with Beijing, which has been a matter of concern for New Delhi.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated since the change in Bangladesh’s leadership, with India raising concerns about the safety of minorities and the overall stability in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Dhaka has maintained that the issue of its minorities is an internal matter, emphasizing its sovereignty. The meeting at BIMSTEC was an attempt to address these sensitive issues and seek common ground on mutual concerns.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)