Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday. In their first in-person interaction since the ouster of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina last August, PM Modi emphasized the importance of protecting minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi urged that any rhetoric that could create tension should be avoided and reaffirmed India’s commitment to resolving mutual concerns through constructive bilateral discussions. “Prime Minister also underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating all cases of atrocities committed against them,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in a post-summit media briefing.
PM Modi reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. He underscored India’s long-standing cooperation with Bangladesh, which has provided tangible benefits to the people of both nations. Stressing a pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, he emphasized that mutual engagement should be based on practical solutions and cooperation.
On border security, PM Modi called for the strict enforcement of laws and measures to prevent illegal crossings, particularly at night. He suggested utilizing existing mechanisms between the two nations to review and strengthen border stability.
Discussions also touched upon Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and the organization of elections in the country. PM Modi conveyed India’s concerns over attacks on minorities and expressed hope that Bangladesh would act responsibly on the matter. He also emphasized the importance of holding regular and inclusive elections to ensure democratic stability in Bangladesh.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh assumed the Chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Congratulating Bangladesh on this role, PM Modi expressed optimism that the country’s leadership would further regional collaboration. “The leaders also shared views on regional cooperation and agreed to enhance consultations to advance integration under the BIMSTEC framework,” Misri noted.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, shared with local media that Yunus presented PM Modi with a photograph from the 102nd Indian Science Congress in Mumbai, 2015, where Modi awarded Yunus a gold medal. “The meeting was very constructive, productive, and fruitful,” Alam said.
The interaction reaffirmed India’s continued engagement with Bangladesh, with a strong emphasis on security, stability, and regional cooperation.
