In a significant diplomatic engagement, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma called on the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday.
During this meeting, Verma reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to realize the shared aspirations of the peoples of both countries, emphasizing peace, security, and development.
A New Chapter in India-Bangladesh Relations
The meeting between High Commissioner Verma and Chief Adviser Yunus marks a crucial step in the evolving relationship between India and Bangladesh. The interim government, headed by the 84-year-old Muhammad Yunus, was installed following the resignation and subsequent departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India on August 5.
Her resignation came in the wake of unprecedented student-led protests against a controversial quota system in government jobs, leading to significant political turmoil in the country.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, through a post on the social media platform X, confirmed the introductory meeting between Verma and Yunus. The message underscored India’s dedication to partnering with Bangladesh to fulfill the mutual goals of peace, security, and development.
Security Concerns and Shared Prosperity
During the discussions, the security of Indian establishments in Bangladesh emerged as a key concern. According to a report by The Daily Star, High Commissioner Verma expressed apprehension regarding the safety of India’s embassy and other facilities, including the High Commission in Dhaka.
The ongoing political instability in Bangladesh has raised fears of potential threats to diplomatic missions.
Responding to these concerns, Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to Chief Adviser Yunus, reassured that the government has already enhanced security measures across the entire diplomatic zone. The heightened security efforts reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign missions during this tumultuous period.
Apart from security, the meeting also focused on the broader objective of shared prosperity between India and Bangladesh. The United News of Bangladesh reported that Verma reaffirmed India’s strong belief in a prosperous and stable Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation.
The two leaders exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest, including strategies to further strengthen people-to-people ties. Notably, India has the largest visa operations in Bangladesh, with 1.6 million Bangladeshis visiting India last year, primarily for tourism and medical purposes.
Water Issues and Regional Collaboration
The discussions between Verma and Yunus also delved into pressing environmental concerns, particularly the recent floods that have severely impacted both Bangladesh and India.
The High Commissioner described the floods in Tripura as “unprecedented,” noting that they had displaced 50,000 people and caused widespread devastation on both sides of the border.
Verma explained that the release of water, which exacerbated the flooding, was an automatic response to rising water levels.
Chief Adviser Yunus, addressing the flood issue, emphasized the need for high-level collaboration between the two nations, especially in emergency situations.
He pointed to the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan as a model for resolving water-sharing disputes and expressed hope that similar agreements could be reached to manage the shared rivers between India and Bangladesh.
Yunus also highlighted the importance of addressing minority issues, a topic that has gained prominence in the wake of recent political changes.
Additionally, he discussed the roles of regional organizations such as BIMSTEC and SAARC, stressing the need to engage the youth in South Asia to foster regional solidarity and cooperation.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The meeting concluded with Yunus reflecting on his personal connections with India, where he has many friends and where the Yunus Center operates in 18 universities. He also spoke about his vision for a “world of three zeros”—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions—a concept that he has championed globally.
This diplomatic interaction follows a series of engagements between Indian and Bangladeshi officials in recent weeks. Last week, High Commissioner Verma paid a courtesy call on the interim government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain.
During this meeting, Hossain conveyed Dhaka’s desire to work closely with New Delhi to enhance bilateral relations. However, he also cautioned that public statements by the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India might hinder the fostering of better bilateral ties.
High Commissioner Verma’s attendance at the oath-taking ceremony of the interim government further underscores India’s interest in the stability and progress of Bangladesh.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Muhammad Yunus upon his assumption of office, expressing hope for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh and the protection of minority communities, including Hindus.
As Bangladesh navigates this critical period, the commitment to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations remains a focal point, with both nations working towards a future marked by mutual prosperity, peace, and regional cooperation.
