“Avoid rhetoric that vitiates ties, ensure Hindu safety”: PM Modi’s strong message to Yunus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday issued a sharp message to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit. Modi cautioned against provocative rhetoric and stressed the importance of safeguarding the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

The meeting, held in Bangkok, came at a time of heightened diplomatic sensitivity. It followed Yunus’s recent comments in China where he suggested that India’s northeastern states could benefit from Beijing's influence. India denounced the remarks, calling them both inappropriate and detrimental to bilateral ties.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, said, “The Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh. He also underlined the need to avoid rhetoric that vitiates the bilateral environment.”

PM Modi expressed concern over the security of minorities, particularly Hindus, who have been increasingly targeted in Bangladesh since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024. Rising hardline elements and sectarian attacks have prompted India to raise the issue at the highest levels.

“The Prime Minister conveyed India’s strong expectations that Bangladesh will protect its minorities and investigate all incidents of violence,” Misri added. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were also present during the meeting.

Border management also featured prominently in the discussion. PM Modi called for tighter law enforcement to prevent illegal crossings, a concern India has repeatedly raised over the years.

The meeting was a result of Dhaka’s diplomatic outreach, seeking to ease tensions after Yunus’s pro-China remarks triggered criticism in New Delhi. During his China visit, Yunus referred to Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean” and implied that northeastern India would benefit from closer China ties — comments that prompted immediate clarification from Bangladeshi officials.

The pull-aside meeting followed a dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister where both Modi and Yunus were seated next to each other. Diplomatic sources confirmed that the meeting helped “clear the air” but noted that India’s expectations remain firm.