In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand. This marks their first meeting since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last August, amid growing tensions between the two nations.

According to sources, Bangladesh sought the meeting, which saw Modi and Yunus exchanging a firm handshake before sitting down for bilateral talks. The two leaders were also seated next to each other during the BIMSTEC leaders' dinner, further fueling speculation of a strategic discussion.

Diplomatic Strains Over Yunus's China Remarks

The meeting comes just days after Yunus sparked controversy in India with his remarks during a visit to China. He highlighted Bangladesh’s geographical advantage as the "only gateway to the Indian Ocean," suggesting that India's landlocked northeastern states could benefit from closer ties with China.

"The seven states of the eastern part of India, called seven sisters, are landlocked. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy," Yunus stated during his four-day visit to China.

His comments drew sharp reactions from Indian officials, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Ministry of External Affairs, who criticized the attempt to position China as Bangladesh’s key partner.

India’s Diplomatic Response

While PM Modi has not directly addressed Yunus's remarks, he recently reaffirmed India's strategic commitment to the northeast, emphasizing its central role in BIMSTEC. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also underscored that India’s northeast is a key connectivity hub, rejecting notions of selective engagement.

Additionally, tensions have escalated over India’s reluctance to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, despite repeated requests from Bangladesh. This has further complicated diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Concerns Over Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Another flashpoint in India-Bangladesh relations has been the rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that since August 5 last year, at least 23 Hindus have been killed, and 152 temples, including ISKCON sites, have been vandalized. The Indian government has raised concerns over these incidents, adding another layer of strain to bilateral ties.