PM Modi writes to Yunus, calls for stronger India-Bangladesh ties amid strained relations over violence against Hindus

Modi and Yunus to meet for the first time amid shifting regional dynamics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, to mark Bangladesh National Day. In his message, PM Modi emphasized the shared legacy of the Bangladesh Liberation War, calling it a foundation for the countries’ strong bilateral ties. Modi’s outreach comes as tensions have arisen following violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under Yunus’s interim government after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina.

This outreach comes ahead of the leaders’ first meeting at the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, scheduled for April 3-4. The letter underlined the importance of mutual sensitivity and highlighted India’s commitment to deepening relations with Bangladesh.

Modi reflects on Liberation War and bilateral partnership

In the letter, PM Modi stated,

“The national day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, which have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. The spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our people.”

He further expressed a desire to strengthen ties, saying,

“We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns.”

Yunus assumes leadership as Hasina seeks refuge in India

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus took office last year following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests. Hasina, a longstanding ally of India, is currently in New Delhi seeking refuge. Her presence in India has raised tensions with the new Bangladeshi leadership, which has expressed intent to prosecute her.

While Dhaka has requested a bilateral meeting during the BIMSTEC Summit, India has so far not confirmed any such engagement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that PM Modi’s bilateral meetings at the summit would be announced at a later date.

President Murmu reaffirms India’s commitment to Bangladesh

Separately, President Droupadi Murmu also sent greetings to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Her message emphasized India’s continued support for a “democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.”

She added,

“India-Bangladesh relations are multi-faceted with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Bangladesh is central to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First‘ and ‘Act East‘ policies, SAGAR doctrine, and the Indo-Pacific Vision.”

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