The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 9
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that he raised concerns regarding the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh during his meeting with his counterpart in Dhaka. During an official visit to Dhaka, Misri reiterated India’s commitment to supporting a democratic, stable, and inclusive Bangladesh. Meeting with Bangladeshi officials, Misri emphasized the importance of a positive, constructive relationship between the two nations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity to each other’s concerns.
Misri highlighted the people-centric nature of India-Bangladesh relations, stressing that India’s development cooperation, spanning areas like connectivity, trade, energy, and capacity building, aims to benefit the people of Bangladesh, the MEA further said. He underscored India’s continued engagement in fostering regional stability and prosperity through collaborations that are beneficial to both countries.
Misri also called on Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, and held Foreign Office Consultations with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Jashim Uddin. During the discussions, Misri raised concerns about the safety and welfare of religious minorities in Bangladesh, citing recent attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties.
The consultations included broad discussions on political, security, and border management issues, as well as cooperation in water, power, energy, and trade. Both sides also touched on regional and multilateral matters, agreeing to enhance cooperation, particularly through frameworks like BIMSTEC to promote regional integration.
Misri’s visit is seen as a step toward sustaining and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh, addressing concerns, and advancing substantive issues in the relationship.