New Delhi In a stern message delivered at a public event in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called upon Bangladesh to decide on the direction it wishes to take its relations with India. This comes after a recent meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain in Muscat, where bilateral ties and regional cooperation were discussed. Jaishankar’s remarks highlight growing concerns over Bangladesh’s inconsistent approach towards India, marked by frequent accusations against New Delhi by members of the interim government.
Jaishankar emphasized that Bangladesh cannot simultaneously seek good relations with India while blaming it for domestic issues. He described some of these claims as “absolutely ridiculous,” underscoring the need for Dhaka to adopt a consistent stance. The minister noted two key challenges facing bilateral ties: communal attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and the country’s internal politics. India has expressed strong concerns over the attacks on minorities, which impact bilateral relations.
Jaishankar also reiterated India’s desire for stability and normalcy in ties with Bangladesh, a relationship rooted in their shared history dating back to 1971. However, he expressed displeasure over the persistent negative rhetoric from Bangladesh, urging a more balanced approach to their diplomatic engagement.
In his meeting with Hossain, Jaishankar conveyed India’s stance against normalizing terrorism, a concern heightened by Pakistan’s increasing influence in Bangladesh. The discussions also touched upon regional groupings like SAARC, with both sides acknowledging the challenges facing such initiatives.
