India premier conveys India’s concern over safety of Hindus, minorities in Bangladesh

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus India’s deep concern over the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh, according to media reports. .

He hoped the interim government would ensure their safety, including by thoroughly investigating all cases of atrocities committed against them.

Two leaders on the margins of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok was the first since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina regime in Bangladesh in August last year.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina also came up during the meeting.

”This issue did come up. Bangladesh has made a formal request regarding Sheikh Hasina. Saying anything more on this will not be correct right now,” he said.

Modi reiterated India’s support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

He emphasized that India desires to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on the spirit of pragmatism.

Mr. Modi also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided.

On the border, he emphasized that strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability. Bilateral mechanisms could meet as appropriate to review and take forward the ties.

He expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long-standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

Modi hailed Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership.

They agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework.

Modi proposed 21-point action plan for enhancing cooperation among BIMSTEC nations

BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), the 7 nation grouping, brings 5 nations–India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka–and 2 S E Asian countries hailand and Myanmar.

Mr. Modi underlined that a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is the shared priority of BIMSTEC nations

PM said India will extend support for training and capacity-building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries.

He noted that BIMSTEC serves as a vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia, he observed that the grouping is emerging as a powerful platform for advancing regional connectivity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

He said to strengthen BIMSTEC, the member-nations must continue to expand the grouping’s scope and enhance its institutional capacities.

”It is encouraging to note that the Home Ministers’ mechanism is being institutionalized. This forum can play a major role in the fight against cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. In this regard, I propose that India host the first meeting of this mechanism later this year,” Mr Modi said.

He said trade and business connectivity are vital to the collective progress of the BIMSTEC nations. To strengthen collaboration and coordination among business communities, he proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.

Modi said that an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit will be organized to foster greater economic engagement. He also suggested conducting a feasibility study to explore the potential for trade in local currencies within the BIMSTEC region.

”The Maritime Transport Agreement concluded (among BIMSTEC nations) today will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport, giving a significant boost to trade across the region,” Mr. Modi said.

He also proposed the establishment of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre. This Centre will focus on capacity building, research, innovation, and fostering greater coordination in maritime policy. It will also serve as a catalyst for enhancing our cooperation in maritime security across the region.

Mr. Modi said the recent earthquake has been a stark reminder of how vulnerable the BIMSTEC region remains to natural disasters.

”India has always stood by its friends as a first responder in times of crisis. We consider it a privilege to have been able to deliver timely relief to the people of Myanmar. While natural disasters may be unavoidable, our preparedness and ability to respond swiftly must always remain unwavering,” he added.

He proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India.

This Centre will facilitate cooperation in disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.

The fourth joint exercise among the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities will be held in India later this year.

He noted that public health is a vital pillar of the collective social development of the BIMSTEC nations, he announced that India will extend support for training and capacity-building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries. ”In line with our holistic approach to health, a Centre of Excellence will also be established to promote education.

Mr. Modi hailed ling the strides made by Indian scientists in the field of space, he said India is ready to share their expertise and experience with all BIMSTEC member states.

”In this regard, I propose the establishment of a ground station for manpower training, the development and launch of nano-satellites, and the use of remote sensing data for the BIMSTEC countries,” he added.

“Met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Once again, expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage to property in the wake of the recent earthquake. India is doing whatever is possible to assist our sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time.”

Mr Modi also met Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay and discussed cooperation between the two countries in different areas.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust. We are cooperating extensively in several sectors.”