PM Modi Tells Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus To Avoid Rhetoric, Focus On Strengthening Ties

In his first official meeting with Bangladesh's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus following Sheikh Hasina's exit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere in bilateral ties. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on Friday, where Modi urged Yunus to avoid statements that could strain the relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs later shared that the Prime Minister advised, "Any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," and instead encouraged building a pragmatic and cooperative relationship for mutual benefit. Modi stressed that the ongoing collaboration between India and Bangladesh has already brought tangible advantages to people on both sides of the border.

Tensions Rise Over Recent Comments and Border Security

The meeting came shortly after Yunus stirred controversy during talks with Chinese officials, where he referred to India's northeastern region as "landlocked" and described Bangladesh as the "guardian of ocean access" for the area. The comment did not sit well with Indian officials. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was quick to respond, pointing out India's substantial presence in the Bay of Bengal and its growing role as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC region.

Adding to the diplomatic strain, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Bangladesh had made a formal request to India for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country last August amidst massive student protests.

India Raises Concerns Over Minorities and Border Issues

During the talks, PM Modi also expressed concern about the safety and well-being of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. He reiterated India's commitment to supporting a democratic, stable, and inclusive Bangladesh.

On the issue of border security, Modi highlighted the importance of strict law enforcement, especially during nighttime, to curb illegal crossings and maintain stability. He proposed that both countries should continue their engagement through bilateral mechanisms to regularly assess and deepen their cooperation.

The meeting marked a critical juncture in India-Bangladesh relations, with both sides acknowledging the need to navigate challenges carefully while preserving the core values of mutual respect and regional stability.