External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed deep concern over growing radical rhetoric, attacks on minorities, and signs of extremism emerging from Bangladesh, reaffirming India’s commitment to a stable and democratic neighbourhood.
Speaking at the CNN-News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, Jaishankar said India has been “very open” in sharing its concerns with Dhaka. “We have concerns about the rhetoric coming out of Bangladesh, concerns about radicalising tendencies and attacks on minorities,” he stated.
Highlighting India’s historic bond with Bangladesh, Jaishankar emphasized, “No country wishes Bangladesh well more than us. That’s almost in our DNA.” He added that the relationship transcends governments and is deeply rooted in people-to-people and cultural ties.
The External Affairs Minister also referenced the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. He said the conversation reaffirmed India’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
Touching upon the importance of democratic processes, Jaishankar called for timely elections in Bangladesh. “Democracies require elections; that’s how mandates are given and renewed. As a friend and well-wisher, we hope Bangladesh takes the right path,” he said.
Jaishankar further stressed the unique and enduring nature of the bilateral relationship. “It is not necessarily one that depends on the government of the day. It is a fundamental people-to-people connection, rooted in shared history and cultural legacy.”
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that PM Modi, during his meeting with Muhammad Yunus, had expressed India’s concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Modi had urged Bangladesh to take firm action, including thorough investigations into reported cases of atrocities.
The MEA noted that PM Modi had reiterated India’s desire to see a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, and underscored that the bilateral relationship must be grounded in pragmatism and people-centric cooperation that benefits citizens of both nations.
India continues to monitor developments in Bangladesh closely, maintaining a firm but friendly posture rooted in shared history and regional stability.
