Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi met with Bangladeshi Chief Advisor Yunus during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, marking their first official meeting since the change in Dhaka's leadership. The meeting highlights the need for recalibrating India-Bangladesh relations amidst recent challenges and Yunus' recent remarks regarding economic ties with China.Key Takeaways
- First official meeting between Modi and Yunus since Yunus' government took charge.
- Significant time as Bangladesh prepares to chair BIMSTEC.
- Meeting aimed at recalibrating India-Bangladesh relations.
- Concerns over rising attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
- Modi emphasizes shared history and partnership in his letter to Yunus.
Bangkok, April 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday engaged in a bilateral discussion with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Bangladeshi interim government, during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This encounter represents their first official interaction since the Yunus-led interim administration took over in Dhaka last August after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The dialogue occurs at a pivotal moment for India-Bangladesh relations, which have faced challenges since the leadership transition in Dhaka.
After their meeting, Yunus' office shared on X: "Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi join a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday."
The timing of this meeting is crucial, coming after Yunus' recent trip to China and his comments made during a meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Yunus referred to Bangladesh as "the only guardian of the ocean" in the region, suggesting that the landlocked northeastern states of India, known as the "seven sisters," could enhance their economic ties through Bangladesh within the framework of China's economic influence.
On Thursday, the two leaders had a casual interaction during the official dinner hosted by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the visiting Heads of State and Government at the BIMSTEC Summit.
Yunus' office posted images showing PM Modi and Yunus seated together at the dinner.
Bangladeshi media reported that the Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Abul Kalam Azad, noted that the two leaders "met each other" during the dinner event prior to their formal meeting on Friday.
The interim government of Bangladesh was eager to initiate direct diplomatic dialogues with India, and Friday's meeting at the BIMSTEC Summit presented an initial opportunity for both nations to re-evaluate their relationship.
In addition, Bangladesh is slated to assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, further emphasizing the importance of this bilateral exchange.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have deteriorated since Sheikh Hasina's departure. The new interim government has seen an increase in attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, raising alarms in India.
The Bangladeshi government has acknowledged these incidents but claims they are politically driven rather than religiously motivated.
In light of the tense political environment, Prime Minister Modi recently reached out to Yunus in a letter commemorating Bangladesh's National Day.
In his letter, PM Modi reminisced about the shared legacy of the Bangladesh Liberation War and highlighted the importance of mutual understanding in preserving the India-Bangladesh partnership.
"I extend my felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh," the Prime Minister wrote.
"This day symbolizes our shared history and sacrifices that have established the foundation of our bilateral partnership. The essence of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to inspire our relations, which have prospered across various domains, providing tangible benefits to our peoples," he continued.
"We remain devoted to fostering this partnership, motivated by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, while being sensitive to each other's interests and concerns. Please accept, Excellency, my utmost respect," the letter further expressed.
As the BIMSTEC chairmanship officially transitions to Bangladesh during the Summit, the trajectory of future India-Bangladesh relations may significantly depend on how both nations address ongoing challenges and diplomatic efforts in the upcoming months.
