By Mustak Zahid
DHAKA: India is reportedly considering the possibility of a meeting between Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Prof Muhammad Yunus, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, according to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
However, Jaishankar stopped short of confirming Modi’s participation, stating only that the Indian premier “may make the trip,” as reported by Business Standard and Deccan Herald. Jaishankar provided lawmakers with an overview of India’s regional diplomatic engagements, particularly focusing on Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
The discussion prominently featured Bangladesh, with some MPs voicing concerns over reported attacks on Hindus in the country—allegations that Dhaka has largely dismissed as politically motivated rather than sectarian violence. Jaishankar assured lawmakers that India remains in active engagement with Bangladesh’s interim government under Prof Yunus and has addressed the issue through diplomatic channels.
Jaishankar also reaffirmed India’s strategic pivot away from SAARC, attributing its stagnation to Pakistan’s stance. Instead, he underscored India’s commitment to strengthening BIMSTEC as a viable regional cooperation framework, signaling a shift towards broader engagement with South and Southeast Asian partners.
