External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is likely to meet with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain next week as diplomatic discussions continue to finalize the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Jaishankar aims to emphasize the urgent need to restore law and order in Bangladesh, express concerns about threats to minorities, particularly Hindus, and reaffirm India’s commitment to fostering a democratic and peaceful relationship amid recent tensions.
This meeting could mark the first high-level, in-person engagement between India and the interim government in Dhaka since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. While India has not officially ruled out a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, scheduling conflicts make it seem unlikely. Modi is set to address the UN Summit of the Future on September 23 before returning to India the same day, whereas Jaishankar will remain in New York to present India’s national statement at the UNGA on September 28.
The discussions will be closely monitored, particularly to see what issues Hossain raises with India. Both Hossain and Yunus have indicated that Bangladesh is seeking Hasina’s extradition, though Dhaka must complete extensive paperwork before submitting an official request to India. The prolonged presence of Hasina in India complicates efforts to stabilize relations, especially with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also advocating for her extradition.
India has noted several “unhelpful” remarks from key figures in the interim government, including Yunus, who has downplayed concerns over attacks on minorities. He has urged India to move beyond the narrative that characterizes any political party besides the Awami League as Islamist, suggesting that Bangladesh is secure only with Hasina in power.
Additionally, India is cautious about the interim government’s stated intent to normalize relations with Pakistan after Hasina’s departure. Yunus has called for the revival of SAARC, which remains stalled due to India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. Reports indicate that he may also meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York next week.
