New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recalled India and Bangladesh’s shared history and sacrifices that laid the foundation of the nations’ bilateral partnership in a letter written to Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the neighbouring country’s interim government.
PM Modi wished Yunus on Bangladesh’s Independence Day amid frosty ties between New Delhi and Dhaka following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the toppling of her government. He also reiterated India’s commitment to progressing the partnership between the two nations.
“Excellency, I extend my felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister wrote. “This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. The spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples,” he wrote.
PM Modi writes to Bangladesh’s Yunus on National Day as part of the protocol letter; mention about “sensitivity” over “concerns”@narendramodi @PMOIndia @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/t3KQOgKpx3
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“We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” PM Modi added.
India-Bangladesh relations
Relations between India and Bangladesh have grown tense following the ousting of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, a longstanding ally of India. After a nationwide movement, the former Prime Minister was forced to flee to India, and an interim government was established under the leadership of Nobel laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus.
Amid reports of attacks on minorities, India has expressed its concerns to Bangladesh. However, Dhaka has maintained that these incidents are politically motivated rather than communal in nature.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stated that the Indian government is engaged with Bangladesh’s interim administration at multiple levels and will continue to raise such issues.
In December, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh to convey New Delhi’s concerns. During a meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, Mr Misri described the attacks on religious institutions and places of worship as “regrettable.”
India and Bangladesh share a historically close relationship, with India playing a key role in Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971. Dhaka remains strategically important to New Delhi, both geopolitically and economically, with strong trade ties between the two nations.
