India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, informed Indian Parliament members about the anti-Hasina sentiment in Bangladesh prior to protests leading to her fleeing to India and emphasized India’s limited ability to interfere. He also discussed the potential revival of SAARC and highlighted China’s competitive role in the region, while reaffirming India’s preference for cooperation within BIMSTEC.

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, revealed that the Indian government was aware of the growing anti-Hasina sentiment prior to the protests, which forced Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to seek refuge in India. This information was shared during a meeting of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs on March 22, reported by The Hindu. Jaishankar pointed out that India lacked sufficient leverage to intervene directly, commenting that Hasina could only be offered “advice.”

Jaishankar referenced recent comments from UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, who stated that the UN had warned the Bangladesh army against engaging in violence against unarmed protesters, as such actions would risk bans on participating in peacekeeping missions. During the discussions, issues surrounding India’s foreign policy concerning neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were emphasized.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained due to India granting asylum to Hasina. In December 2024, India engaged with the interim Bangladeshi government through the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Nonetheless, the Ministry of External Affairs refrained from commenting on a potential meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the forthcoming BIMSTEC summit scheduled for April 2-4.

Jaishankar remarked on the influence of

In conclusion, Jaishankar’s briefing provided insights into India’s awareness of the political climate in Bangladesh, the limitations of its influence over Hasina, and the broader implications of China’s role in the region. Additionally, discussions regarding the status of SAARC and India’s preference for BIMSTEC signify a strategic shift in regional cooperation and engagement policies. The evolving dynamics of India’s relationship with its neighbors will require continued attention as geopolitical factors shift in South Asia.

Original Source: www.tbsnews.net

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