Bimstec Summit 2025: During the BIMSTEC summit 2025, a very special view was seen in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim government chief Mohammad Yunus were seen sitting next to each other. The opportunity was of dinner, which was hosted by Thailand’s Prime Minister Partagarn Shinavatra. The possibility of this meeting was already being expressed. It is considered very important in view of changing relations between India and Bangladesh.
The meeting of Prime Minister Modi and Mohammad Yunus is considered important because it will be the first high-level talks after Sheikh Hasina is out of power. For the past several months, tension has increased recently in relations between India and Bangladesh, there are many reasons behind it. For example, minorities have been attacked in neighboring countries, in which the main target has been made for Hindus. Bangladesh’s relationship with India has become sweet with Pakistan and China. However, in the midst of all this, this meeting shows the possibility of negotiating on these issues during the BIMSTEC summit 2025. India can take advantage of this and make strategic concerns clear to Bangladesh.
Screen Grab of Bimstec Summit Official Dinner on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/xhtbv1cnqv
– Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@Chiefadvisergob) April 3, 2025
Yunus’s visit to China and India’s concern
Mohammad Yunus’s recent visit to China was a matter of concern for India. He made some comments about the northeastern region of India, which India did not like. The main reason for this is that China is constantly strengthening its hold in South Asia, and India is concerned that Bangladesh does not come under the influence of Beijing completely.
China-Bangladesh signs of growing partnership
China has expressed the intention of investing in Bangladesh’s infrastructure. Bangladesh may also see the possibility of military cooperation with China. It is feared that even for this, there is no aviation of Bangladesh’s possible changes in foreign policy. Therefore, the Modi-Unus meeting may be a chance to establish a balance for India during the BIMSTEC summit.
Growing proximity to Pakistan
The recent military and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have gained momentum. Bangladesh conducted joint military exercises with Pakistan. There was also a visit to military delegations from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Amidst all this, Yunus has also received an invitation from Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to come to Pakistan. This is a danger bell for India as Bangladesh had been having a strong strategic relationship with India till now. If this attitude changes, new geopolitical instability may arise in South Asia.
Possible results from Modi-Unus meeting
The meeting of Modi and Yunus can go in many possible directions, which are the following.
Modi can emphasize the importance of continuing cooperation with Bangladesh.
Efforts can be made to balance the influence of China and Pakistan.
India can offer a new economic proposal or defense cooperation.
Focus on safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
There is a strong economic partnership between India-Bangladesh, and this meeting can help resolve trade disputes.
India can demand a clear stand from Younus on many important issues.
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