Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-stakes meeting with Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok carried profound geopolitical weight, unfolding against the backdrop of recent political upheaval in Dhaka and shifting regional dynamics. This was the first face-to-face exchange between the two leaders since Sheikh Hasina's dramatic ouster in August 2024, and it provided a critical opportunity for India to reaffirm its core strategic and humanitarian priorities in the region.
During the meeting, PM Modi delivered a firm but measured message. He reiterated India’s enduring commitment to building and nurturing a democratic, peaceful, stable, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship must be rooted in trust, shared values, and the tangible well-being of the people on both sides of the border. He reminded Yunus that India values people-centric diplomacy, where strategic interests are carefully balanced with ethical responsibilities, including the protection of minorities and vulnerable communities.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the media afterward, stated that PM Modi had urged Yunus to avoid provocative rhetoric that could derail hard-won progress in bilateral relations. This was a clear reference to Yunus’s recent controversial remarks suggesting increased Chinese involvement in India’s sensitive northeastern region. Yunus had referred to Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" in the Bay of Bengal, a statement that was widely interpreted as an attempt to position Dhaka as a regional counterweight to India—sparking backlash and concern in Indian strategic circles. While Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry issued a clarification, tensions had already escalated, and this meeting was seen as a necessary diplomatic reset.
Despite this, the tone of the interaction remained cordial. In fact, it was Bangladesh that requested the bilateral meeting, signaling Dhaka’s interest in maintaining lines of communication with its most important neighbor. During the exchange, the Yunus-led interim government raised the sensitive issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, citing alleged human rights abuses and violence during the student-led uprising that led to her downfall. Yunus has publicly pledged to bring those responsible to justice, and Hasina, who is currently believed to be in self-imposed exile, has become a symbol of both defiance and controversy. However, PM Modi refrained from publicly committing to any position on the extradition request, underscoring India’s cautious approach in such politically charged matters.
Another important point of discussion was border security, a recurring concern in India-Bangladesh relations. PM Modi strongly emphasized the need for tightening border controls, particularly to curb illegal nighttime crossings and cross-border smuggling. He advocated for activating and empowering existing bilateral mechanisms, such as border coordination meetings between the BSF and BGB, to ensure smoother cooperation and information-sharing between the two sides. India’s growing concerns over cross-border infiltration and the trafficking of contraband—including narcotics and fake currency—were also likely conveyed during the closed-door meeting.
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant part of the conversation was PM Modi’s focus on the safety and security of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, which has reportedly come under increasing threat since the collapse of the Hasina government. There have been numerous reports of targeted violence, forced conversions, and land seizures, prompting alarm in both Indian political and civil society circles. PM Modi urged the Yunus government to conduct thorough investigations into recent incidents and to take swift, meaningful action to protect minority rights. "India will not look away when minorities face persecution," the Prime Minister is believed to have told his counterpart in no uncertain terms.
Beyond these pressing issues, the meeting also served as a platform for long-term vision-building. PM Modi congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, noting that the regional bloc had the potential to become a powerful platform for economic integration, maritime cooperation, and disaster resilience in the Bay of Bengal region. He expressed hope that under Bangladesh’s leadership, BIMSTEC would take on a more proactive and ambitious role in fostering connectivity, trade, and shared prosperity among member nations.
The symbolism of the meeting was carefully choreographed. The previous evening, during an official dinner hosted by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Modi and Yunus were seen seated next to each other, sharing light moments and setting the stage for what would become a serious, comprehensive diplomatic engagement. Observers noted that this kind of informal rapport often lays the groundwork for deeper understanding during formal interactions.
In the larger strategic context, the Modi-Yunus meeting signals India’s measured yet firm approach to regional instability. While open to engagement with the interim government in Dhaka, India has drawn clear red lines—particularly regarding security, sovereignty, and the protection of minorities. With the Bay of Bengal emerging as a new frontier in the strategic rivalry between India and China, Bangladesh’s positioning will be watched closely by both regional and global powers.
Ultimately, the meeting reaffirmed that while India remains a steadfast partner to Bangladesh, it also expects reciprocal respect, transparency, and restraint. The future of this crucial bilateral relationship will depend on how the interim government in Dhaka responds to these concerns—and whether it can deliver both stability and inclusivity in a time of immense political transition.
