Modi-Biden Conversation Highlights Global Issues and Bangladesh’s Persecution of Hindus

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 27^th August. In a significant diplomatic exchange on August 26, 2024, Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation that delved into pressing global and regional issues, including the ongoing Ukraine crisis and the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Modi, in a public statement, highlighted Bharat’s concern for minority safety in Bangladesh, stressing the need for swift restoration of normalcy and protection of vulnerable groups. However, while Modi’s remarks brought attention to this humanitarian issue, the White House communique notably omitted any mention of Bangladesh, focusing instead on Ukraine, Indo-Pacific security, and Modi’s recent diplomatic visits to Poland and Ukraine. This divergence in priorities has sparked questions about how each country addresses human rights concerns within the framework of their strategic partnership, revealing the complexities of balancing regional and global interests in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Modi’s Call for Peace and Stability

In his public message on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi confirmed a wide-ranging conversation with President Biden, emphasizing Bharat’s commitment to peace and stability in Ukraine, as well as the importance of ensuring the safety of minority communities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.

Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden on phone today. We had a detailed exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine. I reiterated India’s full support for early return of peace and stability.

We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2024

I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine.

We also affirmed our commitment to work together to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

— President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2024

Modi’s explicit reference to the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh aligns with Bharat’s historical role as a protector of minorities in its neighboring countries, reflecting its deep concern for the safety and security of Hindu communities facing violence and discrimination.

Modi also reiterated Bharat’s position on Ukraine, advocating for an early return to peace. Bharat’s stance on Ukraine has been one of neutrality, where it has called for a diplomatic solution without alienating Russia, a key strategic partner. Modi’s recent visits to Poland and Ukraine, his first-ever as Prime Minister, further underscored Bharat’s growing involvement in global conflict resolution.

The Bangladesh Crisis and Its Omission in the U.S. Response

One of the more intriguing aspects of the conversation was the emphasis Modi placed on the situation in Bangladesh, where Hindus and other religious minorities have been subject to rising violence. The Prime Minister called for the early restoration of normalcy and the protection of minorities, making it clear that Bharat views this issue as an urgent regional concern. Bangladesh has long faced criticism for failing to protect its religious minorities, particularly Hindus, who have experienced discrimination, violent attacks, and systemic marginalization.

However, the White House’s communique conspicuously omitted any mention of Bangladesh and the plight of its Hindu minority. Instead, it focused on Modi’s recent trips to Poland and Ukraine, and broader discussions on Indo-Pacific security through mechanisms such as the Quad (which includes the U.S., Bharat, Japan, and Australia). The White House also highlighted the leaders’ shared commitment to peace in Ukraine and their cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in Ukraine’s energy sector. The decision to exclude Bangladesh from the U.S. public narrative has drawn attention, especially in light of recent comments from the White House Press Secretary, who declined to offer substantial commentary on the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and Hindu Americans, noting only that the situation is being monitored.

U.S.-Bharat Relations: A Delicate Balancing Act

The divergence in messaging between Modi and Biden regarding Bangladesh highlights the different lenses through which Bharat and the U.S. view regional crises. For Bharat, the safety and security of Hindus in Bangladesh is a pressing regional issue, with broader implications for its national security and its role as a guardian of Hindu and other religious minorities in South Asia. This concern is rooted in shared cultural and religious ties, as well as historical tensions between Bharat and Bangladesh over the treatment of minorities, dating back to the aftermath of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

For the U.S., however, the strategic priority remains focused on larger global issues, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Washington’s reluctance to engage directly with the issue of minority persecution in Bangladesh, at least in its public statements, reflects its broader diplomatic strategy. The Biden administration has been keen to maintain strong relations with Bangladesh, especially as it seeks to counterbalance China’s growing influence in South Asia. Criticizing Bangladesh too openly over minority rights could complicate this relationship.

The Quad and Indo-Pacific Security

The Modi-Biden conversation also emphasized the importance of Quad cooperation, underscoring the shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. As China continues to assert its dominance in the South China Sea and across the Indo-Pacific, both Bharat and the U.S. have been looking for ways to strengthen their alliance with other regional powers, including Japan and Australia, through the Quad.

The Quad represents a cornerstone of Bharat-U.S. strategic collaboration, focusing on maintaining a rules-based order in the region and countering China’s expanding military and economic influence. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to this multilateral initiative, signaling that despite occasional differences, the U.S. and Bharat remain aligned on the broader goal of regional stability and security.

Bharat’s Role in Ukraine and Poland

Another significant topic in the Modi-Biden dialogue was Bharat’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis. Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Bharatiya Prime Minister in decades, was historic. Bharat’s position on the Ukraine war has been closely watched, given its delicate balancing act between its long-standing ties with Russia and its growing partnership with Western countries, including the U.S.

Bharat’s humanitarian support to Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector, has been recognized by the Biden administration, which commended Modi for his peace efforts. This reflects Bharat’s growing global stature as a mediator and humanitarian contributor in times of conflict, even as it maintains its strategic neutrality. The discussion between Modi and Biden on Ukraine highlighted Bharat’s evolving role in global diplomacy and conflict resolution.

Conclusion: A Delicate Intersection of Interests

The Modi-Biden conversation on August 26 showcased the broad spectrum of issues that define the U.S.-Bharat relationship. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and cooperation on global issues, particularly in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. However, the differing emphasis on regional issues, such as the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, reflects the delicate balancing act both nations must perform in their diplomatic dealings.

Bharat’s concern for the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh is rooted in its historical and cultural ties with the region, and it seeks to position itself as a protector of marginalized groups in neighboring countries. For the U.S., strategic priorities such as countering China’s influence and ensuring peace in Ukraine take precedence in public discourse, even if it means downplaying sensitive human rights issues.

The Need for a Balanced Approach

The omission of the Bangladesh crisis from the U.S. public narrative points to a missed opportunity for the Biden administration to show a more comprehensive commitment to human rights. While it is understandable that strategic interests shape diplomatic priorities, addressing the persecution of minorities should not be sidelined. The U.S. has long prided itself on its role as a global defender of human rights, and acknowledging the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh would align with these values.

Prime Minister Modi’s decision to raise this issue with President Biden is commendable and reflects Bharat’s responsibility to advocate for the protection of minorities in South Asia. However, true progress will require not just public statements but tangible action, including diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of its minorities.

In the broader context of Bharat-U.S. relations, both nations must strive for a balanced approach that marries strategic interests with a commitment to human rights. As the world’s two largest democracies, Bharat and the U.S. have a shared responsibility to lead by example, ensuring that peace and justice are pursued on all fronts—whether in the high-stakes arena of global diplomacy or in addressing the needs of persecuted minorities.