Bangladesh's interim government's chief advisor, Mohammad Yunus, has expressed a desire to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bangladesh has formally requested India to facilitate a meeting between the two leaders.
New Delhi: A significant development has emerged regarding India and Bangladesh relations. Discussions are underway regarding a potential meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mohammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, during the upcoming BIMSTEC summit. This information was provided by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar himself during a parliamentary committee meeting.
Bangladesh Requests India for a Meeting
The interim government of Bangladesh has requested India to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Mohammad Yunus. The aim of the meeting is to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Jaishankar stated that India is considering this request, but no final decision has been made yet.
Sources suggest that Prime Minister Modi may participate in the BIMSTEC summit scheduled in Bangkok from April 2nd to 4th. However, he did not confirm this trip during the meeting.
Emphasis on Strengthening BIMSTEC
The meeting also discussed the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Several parliamentarians raised this issue and inquired about the steps India is taking to address the situation. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated that the interim government in Dhaka has described these attacks as "politically motivated," but India is taking the matter seriously and is undertaking appropriate diplomatic steps.
Jaishankar also clarified that SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is now inactive due to Pakistan's stance. India is now working towards strengthening BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
Jaishankar's Remarks on the Modi-Yunus Meeting
When asked during the meeting whether PM Modi and Mohammad Yunus would meet during the BIMSTEC summit, Jaishankar did not give a direct answer but stated that "it is under consideration." The meeting discussed not only Bangladesh but also India's relations with Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Some parliamentarians raised concerns about the issues faced by Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen, while others expressed concerns about drug and arms trafficking from Myanmar and Pakistan.
