Amidst ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, the possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, at the upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok in April, has increased. If this meeting takes place, it will be of paramount importance to both countries, as India-Bangladesh relations have experienced strain since Sheikh Hasina's removal from power.
Increased Tensions Following Sheikh Hasina's Removal
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consistently maintained close relations with India. However, the recent change in power in Bangladesh, with Muhammad Yunus leading the interim government, has introduced uncertainty into India-Bangladesh relations. Following the change in power, India has expressed concerns regarding increased attacks on minorities, political violence, and the growing influence of extremist groups in Bangladesh. India's perspective is that the India-Bangladesh relationship was b under Hasina's leadership, but the current situation may alter this.
BIMSTEC: A Powerful Organization of Seven Nations
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a significant organization comprising seven Bay of Bengal nations, working towards enhanced economic, technological, and security cooperation. Member states include India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The last BIMSTEC summit was held virtually in Colombo, Sri Lanka on March 30, 2022.
BIMSTEC Summit 2025: An Important Meeting in Bangkok
The BIMSTEC summit is scheduled for April 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, where member countries will discuss crucial issues related to economic cooperation, regional stability, and security. Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC this year, further increasing its role within the organization.
The situation has remained tense since the upheaval in Bangladesh last August. In addition to the persecution of minorities, attacks on leaders and workers of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party have continued. High-level discussions between India and Bangladesh have been ongoing since August regarding this situation.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has met twice with Bangladesh's interim government's foreign affairs advisor, Towhid Hossain. Furthermore, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka in December 2024, where he discussed the current political situation. During this visit, Misri also met with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
India's diplomatic efforts clearly demonstrate its ongoing commitment to restoring stability in Bangladesh and maintaining balanced relations with its neighboring country.
