Prime Minister Modi Extends Greetings to Muhammad Yunus on Bangladesh's Independence Day. India's response to a request for bilateral talks between PM Modi and Yunus at the BIMSTEC summit is awaited.
PM Modi on Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus, the interim Chief Advisor to Bangladesh's caretaker government, seeks to improve relations with India. He believes Bangladesh cannot afford to maintain strained ties with India for an extended period. Therefore, Bangladesh had requested India to facilitate a bilateral meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit 2025 in Bangkok. However, India is yet to respond to this request.
No Response from India
Yunus had also wished to undertake a bilateral visit to India before his trip to China, but India did not respond to that request either. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent letter of greetings to Yunus on Bangladesh's Independence Day has offered some relief.
PM Modi's Greetings to Bangladesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to Muhammad Yunus in a letter on the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence Day. In his letter, PM Modi wrote, "The spirit of the 1971 Liberation War remains a guiding principle for India-Bangladesh relations. Our bilateral ties are progressing in various sectors, benefiting citizens of both nations."
He further stated, "We are committed to strengthening this partnership based on our shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity. It is crucial to move forward, keeping in mind the mutual interests and concerns of both countries."
Shifting Equations After Sheikh Hasina's Removal from Power
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, tensions rose between India and Bangladesh. After protests, Sheikh Hasina travelled to India, and Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of Chief Advisor to the interim government. Since then, Bangladesh has been actively trying to mend ties with India.
Modi-Yunus Meeting at BIMSTEC Summit Possible?
The BIMSTEC Summit is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from April 2-4, with both PM Modi and Muhammad Yunus in attendance. Muhammad Yunus has expressed his desire for a bilateral meeting with PM Modi. However, India has yet to respond to this request. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed a parliamentary committee that Bangladesh's request is under consideration.
