India is currently reviewing Bangladesh’s request for a meeting between its interim government’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed a Parliamentary panel, as reported by PTI.
At the first session of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs this year, held on Saturday, several MPs expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and sought details on India's response, sources told PTI.
Jaishankar conveyed that Bangladesh’s interim government has described the incidents as politically driven rather than targeting minorities. He also briefed MPs on India's diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, the Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, while noting that discussions regarding Pakistan and China would take place separately.
According to PTI, Jaishankar pointed out that Pakistan’s obstruction of SAARC has led India to prioritize strengthening BIMSTEC. While he indicated that Modi may attend the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok from April 2 to 4, he did not confirm the visit. Additionally, he mentioned that Modi is expected to visit Sri Lanka next month.
Regarding the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Modi and Yunus on the summit’s sidelines, Jaishankar remained non-committal, stating that the request was still under consideration, sources reported.
MPs, including K.C. Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Mukul Wasnik, voiced concerns over attacks on Hindus and sought clarity on the government's stance. Jaishankar reassured the panel that India remains engaged with Bangladesh on multiple levels and has raised the issue.
Bangladesh was a focal point in the discussions, with MPs actively debating the matter. Some members, particularly from South India, also addressed concerns regarding Indian fishermen’s livelihoods and disputes with Sri Lanka.
Additionally, MPs highlighted the issue of arms and drug smuggling from Pakistan and Myanmar. Jaishankar assured them that the government is addressing these concerns with relevant authorities.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistry provided a comprehensive briefing on India’s diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
BDST: 1237 HRS, MAR 23, 2025
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