India’s Outreach to Bangladesh: Strengthening Ties to Combat Minority Violence Under EAM Jaishankar’s Leadership

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has revealed that the Centre is working on multiple mechanisms to draw Bangladesh’s attention to the alarming rise of atrocities against minorities in the neighboring country. Jaishankar made this statement after the first Consultative Committee meeting of 2025, which was attended by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, along with other Members of Parliament (MPs).

According to Jaishankar, holding official discussions on the matter remains challenging given the absence of a formal government in Bangladesh. However, he shared that India has been raising concerns over the growing violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh for several months. In December 2024, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh had shared that 2,200 cases of atrocities were reported in the country.

In a recent meeting on the sidelines of the eighth edition of the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Jaishankar met Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Their discussions reportedly focused on bilateral relations, which have been strained amid growing tensions between the two nations. The meeting marked the first high-level interaction between the two countries since Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Dhaka in December 2024.

Notably, a press secretary to Bangladesh’s interim government admitted that 88 cases of communal violence against minorities, primarily Hindus, were registered between August 5 and October 22. The revelation comes as a significant concern for India, which has been urging Bangladesh to take concrete steps to address the issue. The Consultative Committee meeting provided a platform for Indian lawmakers to discuss the situation with the External Affairs Minister and other high-ranking officials, underscoring the importance of addressing this pressing issue.

As the situation in Bangladesh continues to unfold, India’s efforts to engage with the neighboring country in a constructive manner are crucial. With the absence of a formal government in Bangladesh, diplomatic channels must be utilized to negotiate a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis. The onus is on both countries to work together and ensure that the violation of minority rights in Bangladesh comes to an end.

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/india-working-to-engage-bangladesh-on-minority-attacks-eam-jaishankar-1572001
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Publish Date: 2025-03-22 18:27:00