Bangkok

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the ouster of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and formation of the interim government under the leadership of Yunus in the neighbouring country, last August.

Prime Minister Modi urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided, expressing his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions in the interest of the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"Prime Minister also underlined India's concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating all cases of atrocities committed against them," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a media briefing held after the BIMSTEC Summit.

During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. He also underlined that India believes in a people-centric approach to the relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries over a long time that has delivered tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

Met Mr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh. India remains committed to a constructive and people-centric relationship with Bangladesh.

I reiterated India’s support for peace, stability, inclusivity and democracy in Bangladesh. Discussed… pic.twitter.com/4UQgj8aohf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said avIn this spirit, he once again underlined to Prof Yunus India's desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on the spirit of pragmatism. Prime Minister also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided.

Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's visit to Thailand, Misri stated, "There were discussions regarding Sheikh Hasina's extradition. I cannot elaborate further on that." Furthermore, Misri mentioned that PM Modi has expressed India's concerns for the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh, during his meeting. "PM Modi reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.

He emphasized India's desire to develop a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. The PM also urged that any rhetoric that disrupts the environment should be avoided," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated. Misri further noted that the situation of minorities, including Hindus, was raised by India.

"The PM also emphasized that any rhetoric that disrupts the environment should be avoided. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and the prevention of illegal border crossings are necessary to maintain border security. The PM also voiced India's concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh," he added.

"On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, is necessary for maintaining border security and stability. There are a number of mechanisms between the two countries and these mechanisms could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties," remarked Foreign Secretary Misri.

Discussions were also held on Dhaka's request of Hasina's extradition and holding elections in Bangladesh.

Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's visit to Thailand, Misri stated "There were talks on Sheikh Hasina's extradition. Can't say more on that."

Further, Misri said that PM Modi has expressed India's concerns over the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh, during his meeting.

"PM Modi reiterated India's support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. He underlined India's desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

Misri said that the situation of minorities, including that of Hindu minorities, was raised by India.

"The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossing are necessary to maintain border security and security. The PM also underlines India's concerns over the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh," he added.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh took over as the next Chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Founded on June 6, 1997, the regional grouping has grown from its original four member states -- Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand -- to include Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal supporting regional collaboration on a variety of issues, including healthcare.

"The PM congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under the leadership of Bangladesh. The leaders also issued views on other issues and agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework," said Misri.

Meanwhile, Chief Advisor's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told Bangladeshi media that Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting, which was about PM Modi presenting a gold medal to Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015.

"All issues of mutual interest were discussed. The meeting was very constructive, productive, and fruitful," Alam said.