Leaders hold crucial bilateral talks on sidelines of BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, in Bangkok on Friday, marking their first official interaction since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The meeting took place during the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, underscoring the importance of India-Bangladesh ties amid a changing regional dynamic, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Bilateral talks follow months of strained ties after Hasina’s exit
Relations between India and Bangladesh have seen growing tension following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, a long-time ally of New Delhi, and the rise of hardline elements in Bangladesh. Friday’s meeting signals a potential thaw and was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, highlighting the gravity of the discussions.
While both leaders were seen together during BIMSTEC group events on Thursday, this was the first formal bilateral engagement between them. Topics likely covered included cross-border security, minority protection, and future economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries
India treads cautiously with Bangladesh’s new leadership
Since Sheikh Hasina’s departure—who is reportedly living in exile in Delhi—India has expressed concern over rising violence against minorities and the emergence of radical elements within Bangladesh’s political fabric. The meeting between PM Modi and Muhammad Yunus is seen as a step toward stabilizing the bilateral relationship, although it remains to be seen how India will recalibrate its strategy in the region going forward.
The leadership transition in Dhaka has added uncertainty to regional dynamics, making these high-level engagements all the more significant as India seeks to safeguard its strategic and economic interests in the Bay of Bengal region.
