Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, marking the first high-level contact since Sheikh Hasina’s departure from office. During the meeting, Modi emphasized the importance of avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that could damage bilateral relations.
According to Reuters, the discussion took place on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. Prime Minister Modi called for a peaceful and constructive approach to regional diplomacy, reaffirming India’s commitment to a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.
Ties between the two South Asian neighbors—once strong under Hasina Wajed’s leadership—soured after her departure last August following student-led protests. Sheikh Hasina later sought refuge in India, sparking mixed reactions within Bangladesh.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who currently serves as the Chief Advisor to the interim government, assured Modi that Bangladesh is committed to restoring healthy relations. His office described the 40-minute meeting as “frank, result-oriented, and constructive.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Prime Minister Modi reiterated New Delhi’s desire to maintain “practical and forward-looking” relations with Bangladesh.
However, India’s sheltering of former Prime Minister Hasina has drawn criticism from certain political circles in Bangladesh, particularly due to India’s silence on Dhaka’s request to extradite her for trial.
Despite the tensions, foreign policy experts, including Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation, are hopeful. “This meeting could signal the beginning of renewed dialogue. The immediate focus should be on stabilizing ties,” Pant noted.
