India does not endorse former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's criticism of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Briefing India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday (11 December) described it as a persistent "pinprick" in bilateral relations, reports The Hindu.
Misri emphasised that India’s engagement with Bangladesh transcends any single political party or government, focusing instead on fostering ties with the Bangladeshi people.
He highlighted India’s longstanding principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, asserting that Hasina's political activities via private communication devices had no connection with any Indian facilitation.
During his visit to Dhaka earlier this week, Misri conveyed India’s concerns about recent "regrettable incidents" in Bangladesh. While India’s trade and connectivity with Bangladesh remain strong, he noted the suspension of passenger rail services between the two countries.
Bangladesh, India’s largest partner in South Asia for trade and connectivity, has seen significant infrastructural collaboration, including the establishment of rail, bus, and inland waterway links in recent years.
Misri expressed India’s disquiet over reports of violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, which allegedly escalated after Hasina’s ousting. However, he welcomed the arrest of 88 individuals implicated in such incidents.
While Bangladeshi authorities described some reports of violence as exaggerated, Misri underlined that credible organisations had documented incidents requiring serious attention.
The Indian foreign secretary also addressed the release of convicted "terrorists" in Bangladesh, which has raised concerns in India due to their reported anti-India rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities flagged a "disinformation campaign" in the Indian press regarding the unfolding events.
Committee members raised questions about the arrest of ISKCON monks in Bangladesh, but Misri reportedly refrained from providing a specific response.
However, he underscored the importance of acknowledging attacks on temples and institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre.
Misri noted that soon after discussions on these matters, Rafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Adviser Yunus, announced the arrests made in connection with the violence.
While some attacks were allegedly justified as responses to assaults on Awami League activists, Misri rejected such reasoning, affirming that no form of violence could be justified.
During his visit, Misri met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin, and Dr Yunus, emphasising the need for a “democratic, peaceful, stable, and inclusive” Bangladesh.
He highlighted India’s issuance of 1.6 million visas to Bangladeshi visitors last year, the highest for any country, underscoring the relationship’s foundation in good neighbourly ties rather than mere reciprocity.
The issue of reviewing bilateral treaties was notably absent from Misri's discussions with Dr Yunus.
