External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed India’s prior awareness of mounting anti-Hasina sentiment in Bangladesh but indicated that India lacked leverage for intervention. The relationship with the interim government remains complex, and discussions included regional tensions, the future of SAARC, and China’s growing influence in South Asia.

According to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the country was conscious of the anti-Sheikh Hasina sentiment growing in Bangladesh prior to the violent ousting of her government on August 5, 2024. He explained to the Consultative Committee that India lacked the leverage to intervene effectively, thus could only offer guidance to Ms. Hasina.

Mr. Jaishankar noted that India, alongside other international stakeholders, recognized the turmoil in Bangladesh. He cited comments from U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, who warned the Bangladeshi army against confronting peaceful protestors, cautioning that such actions could lead to a ban on their peacekeeping roles by the U.N.

During discussions regarding India’s foreign policy, the committee also addressed regional conditions in countries such as Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The relationship between India and Bangladesh has been strained, especially after India granted asylum to Ms. Hasina. Despite this, dialogue with the interim government has resumed, marked by a visit from Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in December 2024.

Information about a potential meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Professor Yunus is anticipated to visit China soon to finalize several agreements aimed at enhancing connectivity. Mr. Jaishankar described China as a competitor rather than an adversary in the context of Bangladesh’s geopolitics.

In addressing the civil war in Myanmar, Mr. Jaishankar acknowledged the escalating conflict involving Ethnic Armed Organisations against the military coup regime, highlighting the implications for India’s northeastern states. He provided updates on the readiness of Indian border infrastructure to manage law enforcement along the India-Myanmar border, reflecting ongoing concerns.

Mr. Jaishankar also spoke regarding the future of SAARC, which has been inactive since its last summit in November 2014. He suggested that while cooperation efforts have shifted towards BIMSTEC, SAARC has not been entirely discarded, indicating a possible future revival of the regional organization. The MPs expressed concerns over China’s expanding influence in the region and sought clarity on India’s strategic responses over the next decade.

In conclusion, the discussions led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s awareness of regional tensions, particularly in Bangladesh and Myanmar, and emphasized the restrained approach India has had towards intervention. Furthermore, the potential revitalization of SAARC and the recognition of external competition, particularly from China, present key considerations for India’s foreign policy moving forward.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com

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