New Delhi and Dhaka may be headed toward a diplomatic thaw as Bangladesh’s interim government signals a possible high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mohammad Yunus, the chief adviser to Bangladesh’s caretaker administration. The meeting, if it materializes, will mark a significant shift in ties that have been strained since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
The much-anticipated discussions are expected to take place on Wednesday in Thailand, on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. Prime Minister Modi will also engage in bilateral talks with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Bangladesh’s High Representative on the Rohingya issue, Khalilur Rahman, confirmed that Dhaka has formally sought a meeting and remains “reasonably hopeful” about its success. He expressed confidence in an interview with the Dhaka Tribune, emphasizing a “high possibility” of the talks taking place. A report from Bangladesh’s state-run BSS news agency also echoed similar expectations, citing an unnamed government source. Meanwhile, New Delhi has acknowledged Dhaka’s request and is “actively considering” the proposed meeting.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been turbulent since Yunus’ interim government took charge. New Delhi has raised concerns over the rise of Islamist extremism and a surge in attacks targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. Reports of temple vandalism, arson attacks on Hindu homes and businesses, and religious persecution have sparked outrage in India.
A particularly contentious episode was the arrest of former ISKCON monk Chinmay Krishna Das on alleged “sedition charges,” which triggered diplomatic tensions and strong reactions from Hindu organizations in India. The incident further deepened New Delhi’s skepticism about the new regime’s approach to minority rights and security.
If the Modi-Yunus meeting takes place, it could pave the way for renewed dialogue between the two nations. India has historically played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political stability and economic development. However, the current political transition in Dhaka, along with India’s strategic concerns in the region, has made engagement more complex.
