The North News
New Delhi, April 4
In the first high-level interaction since Sheikh Hasina’s exit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, using the opportunity to voice serious concerns about the treatment of minorities—particularly Hindus—in Bangladesh. Modi, according to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, “strongly raised” the matter with Yunus, urging Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of minority communities and to conduct thorough investigations into reported atrocities.
“India expects the Bangladesh government to take all necessary steps to guarantee protection for its minorities,” Misri told reporters at a post-meeting press briefing.
Tensions between the neighbours have simmered since political upheaval in Dhaka earlier this year. Modi’s meeting with Yunus comes at a delicate moment in bilateral ties. Still, India struck a conciliatory tone, signalling continued interest in fostering cooperation.
The Prime Minister reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh. Misri emphasised India’s “people-centric” approach to diplomacy, noting that the longstanding partnership has delivered tangible benefits to citizens on both sides of the border.
“Any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided,” Modi reportedly told Yunus, adding that cross-border security—particularly the prevention of illegal night-time border crossings—remains a priority for India.
The two leaders agreed to activate existing bilateral mechanisms to review and strengthen ties. Modi also congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the chairmanship of BIMSTEC and expressed confidence in the forum’s potential under Dhaka’s leadership.
Modi and Yunus exchanged views on regional and global issues, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework. The Indian leader reaffirmed his belief that outstanding matters between the two countries could be resolved bilaterally through dialogue.
