Summary:
- Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka to discuss India-Bangladesh relations and emphasized India’s focus on the people of Bangladesh rather than any specific political party.
- Misri addressed concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh, noting 88 arrests and stressing the need for acknowledgment of such incidents.
- India does not support former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticisms of the interim government, highlighting India’s non-interference policy.
- Despite tensions, Misri’s visit led to tangible improvements in bilateral relations, with both sides addressing mutual concerns.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Dhaka has brought critical developments to light amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following significant political upheavals in the neighboring country. Misri’s engagements with Bangladeshi officials, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin, aimed to address pressing bilateral concerns and reinforce India’s commitment to fostering a stable and inclusive Bangladesh.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated since the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, during widespread anti-government protests. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government following Hasina’s departure to India. This political transition has been accompanied by a surge in communal violence targeting minorities, particularly Hindus, which has drawn sharp concern from New Delhi. According to Bangladeshi authorities, 88 incidents of violence against minorities have been reported since August, with 70 arrests made so far. Misri highlighted these attacks during his discussions, emphasizing India’s focus on the safety and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh.
Misri’s visit marked the first high-level interaction between the two countries since Hasina’s removal. During his meetings, he reiterated India’s stance of non-interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs while stressing the importance of addressing incidents of violence and ensuring minority rights. He also conveyed India’s disapproval of Hasina’s criticism of the interim government, clarifying that her comments were made through private communication channels without Indian support.
The foreign secretary underscored the broader scope of India-Bangladesh relations, stating that they transcend individual governments and are rooted in people-to-people connections. He noted that bilateral ties encompass trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges, with Bangladesh being India’s largest partner in South Asia in these domains. However, challenges persist, including suspended passenger rail services and unresolved concerns over convicted individuals engaging in anti-India rhetoric.
Bangladesh authorities have also expressed grievances over what they describe as a “disinformation campaign” in Indian media regarding recent events. Despite these tensions, both sides acknowledged progress following Misri’s visit, with tangible steps taken to address mutual concerns. Misri emphasized the need for a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh while advocating for enhanced regional cooperation under frameworks like BIMSTEC.
This diplomatic engagement comes at a pivotal moment for India-Bangladesh relations. Both nations face the challenge of navigating political sensitivities while prioritizing stability and inclusivity. Misri’s visit reflects India’s intent to maintain constructive dialogue and address pressing issues collaboratively, signaling a commitment to preserving strong ties with its neighbor amidst evolving regional dynamics.
Source: The Daily Star
