In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on Friday. This marked their first official interaction since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. The meeting took place against the backdrop of increasingly strained ties between the two South Asian nations.
The leaders exchanged greetings with mutual respect, emphasising a willingness to engage in open dialogue. Their candid 40-minute conversation was described as productive and constructive.
Key Discussions
Bangladesh Requests:
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- Extradition of Sheikh Hasina
- Renewing the Ganges Water Treaty
- Finalising long-pending Teesta Water Sharing deal
- Halting cross-border violence
- Signing the BIMSTEC free trade deal
- Restraint on Hasina’s statements
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India Requests:
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- Border security & stability
- Protection of minority rights
- Avoidance of hostile rhetoric
- Cooperation on Cross-border violence
- Political stability in Bangladesh
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“Bangladesh deeply values its relationship with India,” Yunus stated, highlighting the intertwined histories and cultural affinities that bind the two nations. He expressed gratitude for India’s unwavering support during Bangladesh’s challenging times in 1971.
While this was the first direct meeting between the heads of government since Hasina’s departure, Yunus pointed out that both countries had maintained various bilateral interactions over the past eight months. Modi urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that could further mar relations, with India’s foreign ministry reiterating India’s commitment to a democratic and stable Bangladesh.
Public sentiment in Bangladesh has turned critical of India, particularly following its decision to shelter Hasina, who has been accused of exacerbating tensions. Additionally, New Delhi has not acted on Dhaka’s request to extradite her for trial.
The two leaders addressed Bangladesh’s request regarding Hasina’s extradition, with Modi expressing the hope that Yunus would assist in maintaining border security and stability. Modi called for a thorough investigation into reported “atrocities” against minority groups in Bangladesh, including Hindus. Although Dhaka claims such violence is exaggerated, India has consistently urged the protection of its citizens.
Harsh Pant, foreign policy head at the Observer Research Foundation, noted, “The hope would be that this meeting would start the process of rebuilding some engagement.” He suggested that stabilising the relationship should be a priority.
Yunus, who recently assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, sought India’s support for a Free Trade Agreement among the seven member states. He also advocated for discussions to renew the Ganges Water Treaty and to finalise the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement.
During the meeting, Modi congratulated Yunus on his new role and acknowledged the historical ties that bind India and Bangladesh, stating that New Delhi prioritises its relationship with Dhaka. He affirmed that India’s allegiance lies with Bangladesh as a nation, transcending political parties.
Yunus inquired about the status of Hasina’s extradition request, stating that her inflammatory remarks in the media could destabilise Bangladesh’s interim government. He called on India to take appropriate measures to restrain her from making incendiary statements during her time in India.
The Chief Adviser referenced a recent OHCHR Fact-Finding Report detailing grave human rights violations in Bangladesh, which estimated 1,400 protest-related deaths over a short period. He accused Hasina of inciting violence and directing security forces to harm protesters, raising further concerns about governance under her regime.
Modi attributed some tensions around Hasina’s remarks to social media inflating issues and reiterated India’s commitment to a peaceful and progressive Bangladesh.
The leaders also discussed cross-border violence, with Yunus emphasising the need to reduce fatalities, which harm families and undermine trust. He requested cooperation to prevent such incidents, while Modi clarified that Indian border troops only act in self-defence.
Expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s BIMSTEC chairmanship, Yunus conveyed his vision for enhancing the organisation’s effectiveness in regional trade and cooperation. He suggested that India send reporters to Bangladesh to investigate claims of violence against minorities, asserting that reports of such attacks had been exaggerated.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both leaders wishing each other good health and well-being, while pledging to foster peace and prosperity for their nations. Key officials, including Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, were present during this important diplomatic dialogue.
