BIMSTEC Summit and Modi-Yunus Meeting: A New Chapter in Indo-Bangladesh Relations
The recently held 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, gained significant attention—not just because of the regional discussions, but particularly due to a crucial bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus.
Though the meeting was not on PM Modi’s official schedule, the two leaders engaged in talks that covered important issues like minority safety in Bangladesh, democratic values, and regional cooperation. This unexpected meeting carries far-reaching implications for regional geopolitics, particularly concerning China’s growing influence and the sensitive dynamics between India and Bangladesh.
What is BIMSTEC?
BIMSTEC is a regional organization founded in 1997, comprising seven countries located along the Bay of Bengal:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
- Thailand
Its core goal is to promote multi-sectoral cooperation among member countries in fields such as:
- Technology
- Economic development
- Security collaboration
- Trade and investment
- Environment and disaster management
- Tourism and connectivity
The 6th summit in 2025, held in Bangkok, focused on renewing commitment to collective growth, peace, and connectivity.
Highlights from the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
At the summit, PM Modi emphasized:
- Strengthening maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal
- Combating terrorism and organized crime
- Enhancing trade liberalization and ease of doing business
- Promoting sustainable development and clean energy
- Building digital and physical connectivity among BIMSTEC nations
He reiterated India’s vision of a prosperous and peaceful Indo-Pacific, and the need to collectively resist outside influence that could destabilize the region.
Modi-Yunus Meeting: Why Was It Significant?
Though Muhammad Yunus was not officially on PM Modi’s schedule, the two met on the sidelines of the summit. This is the first meeting between them since Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government, replacing long-time PM Sheikh Hasina.
This meeting was politically and diplomatically significant for several reasons:
1. Minority Protection and Rising Violence in Bangladesh
PM Modi reportedly raised concern over:
- Rising violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh over the past year
- Attacks on temples, homes, and minority businesses
- The lack of strong government action to prevent or prosecute these events
Modi urged Yunus to ensure protection of minorities, uphold democratic principles, and conduct proper investigations into violence.
2. Yunus’ Recent Pro-China Comments
Just weeks before the summit, Muhammad Yunus visited China and made controversial statements:
- He claimed Bangladesh is the only maritime access for India’s landlocked northeastern states, implying strategic leverage.
- He encouraged Chinese economic expansion in the Bay of Bengal.
These statements were seen as irresponsible and sparked criticism from Indian officials, who saw them as a signal of shifting alliances away from India.
3. Shift in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
With Sheikh Hasina ousted and Yunus now leading an interim administration:
- India’s friendly political alignment with the Hasina government has been disrupted
- Yunus’ increasing closeness with China and Pakistan has raised security concerns in New Delhi
- There is a need to rebuild diplomatic trust under the new leadership
Modi’s meeting with Yunus appears to be a strategic outreach to reset and redirect bilateral relations.
4. Yunus’ Demands and Hasina’s Exile
According to Yunus’ spokesperson:
- He has requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina so she can face corruption charges in Bangladesh
- He also asked India to stop shielding her politically and diplomatically
This demand puts India in a tough position, as Hasina was long seen as a pro-India leader and a bulwark against radicalization and foreign interference in the region.
5. Teesta River Water Sharing & Pending Issues
The long-pending Teesta river water-sharing agreement, unresolved for years, remains a critical bilateral issue:
- India and Bangladesh have failed to reach consensus
- The new interim government’s stance on Teesta is unclear
- India sees this as an opportunity to re-open negotiations under new leadership
Ministry of External Affairs: Official Stand
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later confirmed the meeting and shared insights:
- India desires a constructive and transparent relationship with Bangladesh
- There must be accountability for minority attacks
- India wants to ensure maritime security and border peace, especially in the northeast
They reiterated India’s policy of “Neighbourhood First”, emphasizing ties with Bangladesh remain a top priority.
The China Factor
China’s growing footprint in South Asia—especially through:
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Deep-sea ports in Sri Lanka and Myanmar
- Digital infrastructure investments
…has made Indian policymakers cautious. If Bangladesh under Yunus moves closer to Beijing, India may:
- Face strategic isolation in the Bay of Bengal
- Be vulnerable to encirclement in the northeast
- Lose its traditional diplomatic leverage in Dhaka
Thus, the Modi-Yunus meeting is not just a dialogue—it is a geopolitical balancing act.
Future Outlook
This meeting, though unofficial, could serve as a reset button for Indo-Bangladesh ties. Some possible outcomes include:
1. Positive Outcomes:
- Fresh dialogue on pending water and border issues
- Commitment to minority protection
- Countering radical extremism together
- Boost in maritime trade and connectivity projects
2. Risks:
- India’s demand for Hasina’s protection may strain ties
- Yunus’ alignment with China might tilt regional dynamics
- Internal instability in Bangladesh may derail regional cooperation
Conclusion
The Modi-Yunus meeting, held quietly during a major regional summit, is more than just diplomacy. It symbolizes:
- A strategic recalibration of India’s approach to Bangladesh
- An attempt to maintain influence amidst changing leadership and foreign alignments
- A reflection of India’s concerns over minority rights and national security
- A message to the world that India still leads in shaping regional narratives
As the political winds shift in Dhaka, this meeting might define the trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh relations for years to come.
