Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus to ensure safety and security of minorities, including Hindus, in the country and investigate “atrocities” committed against them.
In their first bilateral meeting since the formation of the interim govt in Dhaka in Aug 2024, Modi sought positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism, and urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that could vitiate the atmosphere. Modi-Yunus meeting took place on the sidelines of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) summit in Bangkok. Yunus came to the meeting armed with his own list of issues Dhaka considers important, including the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, border killings and pending Teesta water-sharing agreement.
Modi touched upon the issue of elections in Bangladesh as he reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. “The PM underlined that India believed in a people-centric approach to the relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries over a long period that has delivered tangible benefits to people in both countries,” said foreign secretary Vikram Misri. According to Bangladesh, Modi said India’s relationship is with the country and not with any political party or organisation.
India, Thailand sign 5 MoUs
India and Thailand upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, and announced a strategic dialogue between the security agencies, as PM Modi held bilateral talks with his counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Modi backed “Asean unity” and “Asean centrality”, saying that in the Indo-Pacific region, both countries advocate a free, open, inclusive and rule-based order. “Asean is the comprehensive strategic partner of India, and in this region, as neighbouring maritime countries, we have shared interests in regional peace, stability, and prosperity... we believe in development and not expansionism,” said Modi, alluding to the threat that several Asean States feel from increasing Chinese assertiveness in South China Sea.
India and Thailand signed five MoUs, including one between ministry of development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand foreign ministry. Modi said the countries emphasised on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and India’s northeastern states. Modi thanked Thailand for the cooperation in facilitating the return of Indian victims of cybercrime. Modi said that Thailand held a special place in India’s Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision. The leaders discussed growing mutual trade, investment and business exchanges, appreciating agreements signed to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts.
Myanmar urged to restore democratic process
In a meeting with Myanmar junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, PM Modi underlined the importance of early restoration of the democratic process in Myanmar, including through credible and inclusive elections. He said India would support all efforts, as it has in the past, to foster trust and advance a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led transition towards a peaceful, stable, and democratic future.
Modi offered condolences at the loss of life and the damage caused by the recent earthquake in Myanmar and the leaders discussed India's ongoing efforts under Operation Brahma to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance to Myanmar. Unlike the West, India has continued to engage with the military in Myanmar because of the need for cooperation with the Asean country to check the activities of insurgent groups active in the border areas.
Won’t let our land be used against India: Lanka
Amid growing Chinese footprint in the Indian Ocean, India signed its first ever MoU for defence cooperation with Sri Lanka that will help both sides formalise and enhance cooperation between their armed forces. The agreement was one of the highlights of PM Modi’s visit to strategically-located neighbour that also saw a major boost for energy ties in the form of a grid inter-connectivity pact that will allow Sri Lanka to export electricity and another MoU for developing Trincomalee as an energy hub.
The bilateral meet was followed by signing of 7 MoUs and agreements. The heads acknowledged that security interests of India and Sri Lanka are interlinked and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reassured India that he won’t allow Lankan land or the oceans around it to be used in any way inimical to India’s security interests or regional stability. Modi also announced a debt restructuring agreement that, he said, will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka, along with reduced interest rates on loans. On the sensitive issue of fishermen, the two decided to handle it with a humane approach with Modi emphasising on immediate release of fishermen and their boats. On the Tamil issue, Dissanayake briefed Modi about his “inclusive” approach and the Indian PM expressed hope that the Sri Lankan govt would meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting provincial council elections.
PM Modi honoured
President Dissanayake honoured PM Modi with the Mitra Vibhushana award. “This honour, which was introduced in 2008, is conferred upon heads of states and govt for their friendship, and PM Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe,” Dissanayake said. Earlier in the day, Modi was accorded a historic welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square - the first time that Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner.
