India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border with Bangladesh, emphasizing measures like barbed wire fencing, border lighting, technical device installations, and cattle fences to curb cross-border crimes, smuggling, and trafficking. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India's proactive efforts and urged Bangladesh to implement previous agreements in a cooperative manner to address such issues effectively.
This statement came shortly after India summoned Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Nural Islam amid escalating border tensions. Earlier, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry had summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, signaling strained diplomatic ties.
India conveyed its expectations that Bangladesh would adhere to agreed frameworks and adopt a collaborative approach to combating cross-border criminal activities. The recent exchanges also reflect growing concerns over reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, which have further complicated relations. India had expressed strong disapproval of the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on sedition charges, which Bangladesh dismissed as "unfounded" and "contrary to the spirit of friendship."
Adding to the tensions, Bangladesh's recent defense moves, including deploying Bayraktar drones along the border and acquiring Turkish Tulpar light tanks, have raised security concerns for India. These developments, coupled with political changes in Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure and her subsequent visit to India, have contributed to the strained dynamics between the two nations. India is closely monitoring these developments, given their potential impact on regional security and bilateral relations.
