NEW DELHI: India and Bangladesh have expressed a desire to move past the tensions that have marred their relationship in recent months, following a high-level meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus. The discussions, which took place in Dhaka on Monday, aim to clear the “clouds” that have overshadowed bilateral ties since the political upheaval in Bangladesh earlier this year.
The meeting marks the highest-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries since August, when Bangladesh’s long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India amidst widespread protests in Dhaka. The political crisis in Bangladesh led to increased tensions with India, especially after reports surfaced of attacks on Hindu minorities in the Muslim-majority country. India condemned these attacks, accusing extremists of targeting Hindus, but Bangladesh’s interim leadership, under Yunus, has downplayed these allegations, calling them exaggerated.
ALSO READ: NABH AI: Revolutionizing aircraft recognition with artificial intelligence
During the meeting, Yunus requested India’s assistance in resolving the ongoing diplomatic rift, stating that the two countries must clear the “clouds” hanging over their relationship. In response, Misri reiterated India’s desire for a “positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship” with Bangladesh. Misri also emphasized that India expected a cooperative approach from Bangladesh on addressing issues related to the attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties.
Misri also held talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin, during which both sides agreed on the importance of fostering a stable and mutually beneficial relationship. However, Bangladesh has continued to demand the extradition of Hasina, who remains in India, accusing her of sheltering in India after her exit from Bangladesh.
ALSO READ: India plans advanced anti-drone unit to secure borders: Amit Shah
The diplomatic exchange signals a possible thaw in relations between the two neighboring countries, with both parties seeking to move forward on issues that have caused strain in recent months. The outcome of the discussions remains to be seen, but both sides have expressed a commitment to addressing the outstanding concerns and restoring constructive ties.