PM Modi Meets Muhammad Yunus Amid Strained Ties, First Since Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Thailand on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit, marking their first formal interaction since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government last August. The meeting comes amid growing tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka over Bangladesh’s evolving diplomatic stance, particularly regarding China.
Bangladesh described the meeting as constructive, productive, and fruitful. “The leaders discussed key issues concerning both nations. Yunus also raised the matter of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and her incendiary remarks made from India,” said Yunus’s press secretary.
Sources indicate that Bangladesh had sought a meeting between Yunus and Modi, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations despite recent friction. Visuals from the summit showed the two leaders exchanging a firm handshake before engaging in discussions. They were also seen seated together at the BIMSTEC leaders’ dinner on Thursday, further fueling speculation about diplomatic engagements beyond formal talks.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions, particularly after Yunus made remarks during his recent visit to China that irked Indian officials. Speaking in Beijing, Yunus pointed to India’s northeastern states as being landlocked and emphasized Bangladesh’s strategic role as the region’s only access point to the Indian Ocean.
“The seven states of the eastern part of India, called seven sisters, they are landlocked. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy,” Yunus said during his four-day visit to China.
These remarks sparked criticism from Indian officials, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who dismissed the statement as provocative. The Ministry of External Affairs also took note of the comments, reinforcing India’s long-standing concerns about China’s expanding influence in South Asia.
Bangladesh has traditionally maintained close ties with India, particularly during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. However, recent developments under the new administration, including an apparent tilt towards Beijing, have led to growing unease in New Delhi. Observers say Yunus’s remarks in China were indicative of Dhaka’s shifting foreign policy priorities.
Political analysts suggest that Yunus’s administration is exploring new strategic partnerships to reduce its dependence on India. While New Delhi has maintained a diplomatic stance, officials are closely watching Dhaka’s foreign policy moves.
Despite the recent friction, Modi’s meeting with Yunus signals an effort to keep diplomatic channels open. Experts believe the discussion likely revolved around trade, regional security, and connectivity, as well as measures to ensure stability in bilateral relations.
India has historically played a key role in Bangladesh’s economic and infrastructural development, and analysts note that continued cooperation would benefit both nations. However, as Dhaka increasingly engages with Beijing, New Delhi faces the challenge of reinforcing its influence in the region.
With Yunus’s administration still in its early days, the coming months will determine whether the traditional India-Bangladesh partnership remains strong or undergoes a fundamental shift. The outcome of this evolving dynamic will have significant implications for regional geopolitics.