PM Modi-Muhammad Yunus Meeting Considered Ahead of BIMSTEC Summit

PM Narendra Modi may meet Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus at the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit. Jaishankar indicated the request for a meeting is under consideration. Concerns regarding attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh were raised during a parliamentary meeting, where Jaishankar informed MPs about India’s ongoing dialogue with Dhaka. The revival of SAARC is also a topic of discussion, hindered by Pakistan’s approach, and efforts are being made to strengthen BIMSTEC instead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may potentially meet with Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh, during the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India is currently considering the request from Bangladesh for this meeting, as reported by PTI. While discussions about Bangladesh dominated the Parliamentary panel meeting, Jaishankar provided no firm commitments, indicating that the request is still under consideration.

Jaishankar hinted that Prime Minister Modi is likely to attend the BIMSTEC Summit scheduled in Bangkok from April 2 to 4, although he did not confirm the visit during the meeting. The discussions also covered India’s relationship with Bangladesh, as well as Myanmar and Sri Lanka, while mentioning that issues regarding Pakistan and China would be addressed separately at another time.

During the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting for External Affairs, certain Members of Parliament expressed their concerns regarding attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and inquired about the Indian government’s response. Several MPs, including K C Venugopal and Manish Tewari, highlighted the targeted killings of Hindus, to which Jaishankar responded by stating that the interim government in Dhaka described the attacks as “politically motivated” rather than aimed specifically at minorities. He assured the MPs that India is maintaining dialogue with Bangladeshi authorities at various levels regarding this situation.

PM Modi had previously addressed the safety of minorities in Bangladesh upon Muhammad Yunus taking office during a period of turmoil in the country. He expressed his hopes for a swift return to normalcy and the protection of all minorities within Bangladesh.

Additionally, Jaishankar noted the inactivity of SAARC, attributing it mainly to Pakistan’s stance and emphasized India’s efforts to bolster BIMSTEC instead. Earlier in February, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Touhid Hossain, engaged with Jaishankar during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman, advocating for the revival of the SAARC meeting and the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty of 1996.

While Jaishankar did not specifically mention SAARC in his post, he confirmed that Bangladesh raised this subject during their discussions in Muscat. MEA spokesperson R. Jaiswal reiterated that the conversation included concerns about the need for Bangladesh to address the issue of terrorism appropriately.

In summary, the potential meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus remains undecided as India reviews Bangladesh’s request. Despite concerns raised by MPs about violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to engaging with the Bangladeshi government. Furthermore, the ongoing discussion about the revival of SAARC highlights the complexities in regional relationships, primarily influenced by Pakistan’s actions. The focus remains on enhancing cooperation through BIMSTEC.

Original Source: www.timesnownews.com