India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a major diplomatic development, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their first official bilateral talks in Bangkok. The meeting came at a critical time, following the conclusion of the 6th BIMSTEC summit, where tensions between India and Bangladesh have been escalating. The talks, held at the Shangri-La Hotel shortly after midday local time, marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Yunus assumed office as the head of the interim administration in Bangladesh. The summit’s backdrop, which also saw Bangladesh assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, only added weight to the discussions, with many anticipating that this diplomatic engagement would address several contentious issues that have strained ties between the neighboring countries recently.
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Background of the diplomatic strain
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been under strain following significant political upheaval in Bangladesh. The unrest that began with the student uprising on August 5, 2024, and the subsequent fall of the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marked a turning point in bilateral relations. Since then, there have been various points of friction, including disputes over border security, water-sharing agreements, and human rights concerns. The political instability in Bangladesh, along with accusations directed at India for allegedly backing Hasina’s government, has significantly impacted the once-strong relationship between the two countries. This context made the Yunus-Modi meeting even more critical, as it offered a chance for the two leaders to address these pressing issues directly.
The first interaction at the BIMSTEC
Accordingly, the two leaders had a brief interaction at a dinner hosted in honor of the BIMSTEC leaders. The event, organized by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was a more informal setting, where Yunus and Modi sat side by side, exchanging pleasantries. This initial interaction was cordial, but the formal bilateral talks that followed were expected to delve deeper into the complex issues affecting bilateral relations.
The extradition of Sheikh Hasina
One of the key points raised by Professor Yunus during the meeting was the issue of the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her government fell. Bangladesh has sought the return of Hasina, accusing her of inciting violence in Bangladesh through inflammatory social media posts. Yunus questioned the status of the request for Hasina’s extradition, noting that her remarks seemed to be destabilizing the situation in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Modi, however, downplayed the role of individuals in India’s diplomatic stance. He explained that India’s relationship with Bangladesh is based on historical and people-to-people ties, rather than political alliances with any specific party or individuals. Modi attributed much of the tension surrounding Hasina’s statements to the impact of social media, rather than any official stance by India.
Border security and cross-border killings
Another sensitive issue discussed during the talks was the ongoing problem of border killings, which have been a flashpoint between the two countries. With a shared 4,000-kilometer border, India and Bangladesh face challenges in managing cross-border security and illegal activities. Yunus expressed concerns over the loss of life along the border and stressed the need for joint efforts to reduce fatalities. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the issue but clarified that Indian border forces only resort to firing in self-defense, and most fatalities had occurred on Indian territory. Both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening border security and preventing illegal border crossings, particularly at night. Modi also urged Yunus to avoid any inflammatory rhetoric that might exacerbate tensions, reiterating India’s commitment to a democratic, stable, and peaceful Bangladesh.
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Water sharing disputes
Water-sharing agreements have long been a point of contention between India and Bangladesh, with the Ganges Water Treaty set to expire in 2026 and the Teesta river sharing agreement still unresolved. During the talks, Yunus highlighted the need for renewed discussions on the Ganges Water Treaty and the conclusion of the Teesta agreement. Bangladesh has long advocated for equitable water distribution, and Yunus stressed that addressing these issues is critical for maintaining regional stability.
Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh
The treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh featured prominently in the discussions. India expressed concern over attacks on Hindus and vandalism of Hindu temples in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of the political turmoil in 2024. Reports indicated that at least 23 Hindus had been killed and more than 150 temples attacked since the fall of Hasina’s government. Yunus, however, dismissed the reports of widespread violence as exaggerated, calling many of them fake news. He assured Modi that his government had established a system to monitor incidents of religious violence and was committed to taking action against such acts. Yunus also invited India to send reporters to Bangladesh to investigate the situation independently.
Remarks on India’s Northeast and China
Tensions between India and Bangladesh further escalated after Yunus’s remarks about India’s northeastern states during his visit to the Boao Forum for Asia in China. Yunus’s remarks about China and his attempts to project it as Bangladesh’s new partner created ripples in Dhaka-Delhi relations, especially considering the close ties India had cultivated with Bangladesh under Hasina’s leadership. Prime Minister Modi, while not addressing Yunus’s comments directly, pointed out that India’s northeastern states were a vital part of the BIMSTEC grouping and emphasized that cooperation within the regional framework should be viewed as an integrated effort rather than one based on selective issues.
A new era for Dhaka-Delhi relations?
The bilateral talks between Yunus and Modi marked a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. The meeting was the first direct engagement between the two leaders since the fall of Hasina’s government, and it signified a renewed commitment to dialogue despite the complexities and challenges in the relationship. In a post-meeting statement, Yunus expressed his hope that the two countries would continue to resolve their differences through constructive engagement, emphasizing that the historic bond between India and Bangladesh should be preserved. He acknowledged India’s significant support during Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation struggle, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. As both countries navigate their way through a challenging diplomatic landscape, the outcome of this meeting will likely set the tone for future engagements between Dhaka and New Delhi.
