Published: 06:18 AM, 05 April 2025
India doesn't favour any party in BD: Modi
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Friday. -Collected
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said New Delhi always attaches the 'highest priority' to its ties with Dhaka, and it is not in favour of any specific party in Bangladesh.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Modi held their first bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on Friday, according to news agencies. According to Modi, the history of the two neighbours is intricately linked, and goes back to the dawn of Bangladesh.
Through his social media handle, Modi said India remains committed to a 'constructive and people-centric' relationship with Bangladesh.
"I reiterated India's support for peace, stability, inclusivity and democracy in Bangladesh," he said, adding that they discussed measures to prevent illegal border crossings and expressed India's 'serious concerns' for the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities.
"Prime Minister Modi urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters while briefing after the meeting.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus enquired about the status of Bangladesh's request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina which remains pending with the Indian government.
He noted that the former Prime Minister had been making inflammatory remarks in various media outlets and attempting to destabilise the situation in Bangladesh, which seemed to be an abuse of the hospitality India has extended to her.
"She has consistently made false and inflammatory accusations against the interim government of Bangladesh," Prof Yunus stated.
"We request that the Government of India take appropriate measures to restrain her from continuing to make such incendiary statements while she remains in your country," said the Chief Adviser.
Prof Muhammad Yunus conveyed to Narendra Modi that the reports of attacks on the minorities were 'hugely inflated' and bulk of them were 'fake' news.
Responding to Modi's concern over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser also asked the Indian leader to send reporters to Bangladesh to investigate the alleged attacks themselves.
Both leaders - Dr Yunus and Modi - concluded their "fruitful and honest dialogue" by wishing each other good health and personal well-being and extended their best wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the people of both countries.
Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain, Chief Adviser's High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were, among others, present.
