External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has revealed that Bangladesh’s request for a meeting between its interim government’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit is currently under consideration. The announcement was made during a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting on External Affairs held in New Delhi.
Diplomatic Engagements
The BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from April 2 to 4, 2025, is expected to bring together leaders from member nations, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. While Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the summit has not been officially confirmed, Jaishankar indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding the potential bilateral meeting with Yunus.
Key Issues Raised
During the parliamentary meeting, several MPs expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, questioning India’s diplomatic response. Jaishankar assured the committee that the Indian government remains actively engaged with Bangladesh at various levels and has raised the issue with Dhaka’s interim government. He emphasized that the attacks were described by Bangladeshi authorities as “politically motivated” rather than “minority-targeted.”
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s focus on strengthening BIMSTEC (The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) as an alternative to the inactive SAARC framework. He reiterated India’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges, including security concerns and economic development.
Conclusion
As the BIMSTEC Summit approaches, the possibility of a Modi-Yunus meeting remains uncertain. The outcome of this diplomatic engagement could have significant implications for India-Bangladesh relations and the broader regional dynamics. All eyes are now on Bangkok as leaders prepare to convene for this pivotal summit.
