Key Highlights:
New Delhi | April 10, 2025:
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has issued a strong message concerning the internal dynamics of Bangladesh, highlighting rising radicalization, attacks on minorities, and worrisome rhetoric. Speaking at the CNN News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, Jaishankar emphasized India’s openness in sharing its concerns and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“We have concerns about the rhetoric coming out of Bangladesh. We have concerns about radicalising tendencies, and we have concerns about the attacks on minorities. I think we were very open about sharing those concerns,” Jaishankar stated.
India’s Deep Cultural and Historical Ties with Bangladesh
Dr. Jaishankar underlined that India’s connection with Bangladesh runs far deeper than governmental terms.
“No country wishes Bangladesh well more than us. That’s almost in our DNA,” he said, referring to the shared history and cultural heritage that ties both nations.
He stressed that the relationship is fundamentally people-to-people, transcending politics, and rooted in the history of the 1971 Liberation War, in which India played a crucial role.
Call for Democracy and Electoral Process
Jaishankar urged Bangladesh to move forward with timely elections, highlighting that democratic societies must renew their mandates through the ballot.
“As a well-wisher and friend, we hope they go the right way. Democracies require elections. That’s how mandates are given and renewed,” he said.
The Indian government’s stance aligns with a broader expectation that Bangladesh uphold democratic traditions, especially as the country moves toward general elections.
Modi-Yunus Meeting Reaffirms Support for Inclusive Bangladesh
Earlier, on April 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. During the discussion, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a democratic, inclusive, and progressive Bangladesh.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Modi also raised concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
“The Prime Minister underlined India’s desire to forge a constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism and people-centric cooperation,” read an MEA statement.
Jaishankar’s Remarks Signal Firm Diplomatic Tone
The timing and tone of Jaishankar’s remarks signal that India is closely monitoring developments in Dhaka, particularly amid growing international scrutiny over rights issues and internal stability in Bangladesh.
India’s comments also reflect strategic interests in ensuring a stable and secular neighbourhood, especially given concerns over cross-border radicalism and security threats emanating from any political instability.
FAQs
Q1. What did S Jaishankar say about Bangladesh?
He expressed concerns over radicalisation, attacks on minorities, and inflammatory rhetoric in Bangladesh during the Rising Bharat Summit 2025.
Q2. Did he comment on Bangladesh’s upcoming elections?
Yes, Jaishankar said that democratic societies require elections and expressed hope that Bangladesh would hold elections soon to renew democratic mandates.
Q3. What is India’s stance on its relationship with Bangladesh?
Jaishankar emphasised that India’s relationship with Bangladesh is deeply rooted in shared history and people-to-people ties, and not just driven by government policy.
Q4. What did PM Modi discuss with Muhammad Yunus?
PM Modi reiterated India’s support for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh and raised concerns about the safety of minorities during his meeting with Yunus at the BIMSTEC Summit.
Q5. How does this affect India-Bangladesh relations?
While India remains a key ally of Bangladesh, the statements reflect growing unease over internal developments in Dhaka, signaling New Delhi’s interest in democratic stability and human rights in the region.
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