Blitz Bureau
FOREIGN Secretary Vikram Misri met Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, and raised India’s concerns regarding the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus. Misri also met with Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, and Jashim Uddin, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, during his visit.
The discussions focused on maintaining stability and fostering cooperation between the two countries. India raised concerns about recent attacks on cultural and diplomatic sites and emphasised the importance of safeguarding minority communities.
Misri reiterated India’s commitment to a democratic, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh, expressing interest in building relations based on mutual respect and trust. He also highlighted India’s ongoing collaboration in areas such as trade, energy, connectivity, and capacity building to support the people of Bangladesh.
Both sides engaged in comprehensive talks covering political and security issues, border management, trade, and regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework.
This visit follows earlier high-level interactions after political changes in Bangladesh in August 2024. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s historic relation with India and said, both sides agreed to carry it forward in a “free, frank and candid” discussion.
He said during the meeting, India expressed its interest in advancing constructive and positive relations with Bangladesh. However, concerns were raised by India regarding the safety of minority communities and “attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties”.
Jashim Uddin said India is one of our biggest trade partners of Bangladesh and stressed for removal of existing tariff and non-tariff barriers. He also requested for an undisrupted supply of essential commodities from India.
According to a report from Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the river water disputes were discussed in detail during the foreign office consultation, when Bangladesh stressed inking of Teesta water sharing deal alongside renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, which would expire in 2026. Dhaka also sought the finalisation of treaties over other common rivers and expected India’s cooperation in sharing flood warning data and flood management.
