There is a high possibility of a meeting between Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Yunus’s recent comments on India’s northeastern states have stirred controversy, while officials express optimism regarding improved bilateral relations during the summit. This marks the first in-person BIMSTEC meeting since 2018, focusing on regional cooperation.

A senior official in Bangladesh has indicated a significant likelihood of a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Prime Minister Modi is due to arrive in Thailand on Thursday for this two-day visit, where he will also engage with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

Khalilur Rahman, the High Representative to the Chief Adviser on the Rohingya issue, stated that Bangladesh has formally requested a meeting between the two leaders and expressed optimism about the potential of this engagement. Reports from the state-run BSS news agency further suggested that discussions could indeed occur during the summit, a sentiment echoed by sources in New Delhi.

Since the formation of Yunus’s interim government in August 2024 after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, bilateral relations have deteriorated, primarily due to India’s concerns regarding the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, coupled with the rise of Islamist extremism. Recently, Yunus’s comments during a visit to China caused controversy after he urged a focus on Bangladesh’s economic potential, citing the landlocked status of India’s northeastern states.

In his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Yunus signed nine agreements and labeled Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean” in the region, alluding to economic opportunities for China in relation to India’s northeastern states. Indian political leaders responded critically to these remarks, branding them as “shameful” and “provocative.” Rahman defended Yunus by stating that his intentions were honest and that misinterpretations are unfortunate.

As Prime Minister Modi prepares to convene with BIMSTEC leaders, including those from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan, this summit marks the first in-person gathering since 2018. The scheduled signing of the Maritime Cooperation Agreement will be a focal point of discussions among the leaders, highlighting a renewed effort towards regional collaboration in the wake of virtual meetings due to the pandemic.

The anticipation of a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit underscores the significance of bilateral relations, despite recent strains. Yunus’s controversial comments regarding India’s northeastern states and subsequent criticisms reflect ongoing complexities. As regional leaders convene to strengthen cooperation, the outcome of the summit may pave the way for improved diplomatic ties among BIMSTEC nations. This summit aims to foster further collaboration in economic and technical areas, indicating potential pathways for Bangladesh and India to rejuvenate their relationship.

Original Source: www.newsdrum.in

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