Foreign secy delivers India's clear message to Yunus govt

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Monday delivered a categorical message to the interim regime in Dhaka that forward movement in partnership is conditional on Dhaka's constructive approach in safeguarding minority rights and security interests besides protection of cultural, diplomatic and religious properties.

"We also had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties. A constructive approach on all these issues by the Bangladesh authorities, and we look forward to moving the relationship forward in a positive, forward-looking and constructive direction," Misri said in his press statement following his meetings in Dhaka, including with the chief adviser.

High-level sources told ET that New Delhi is peeved with Dhaka's lackadaisical approach in safeguarding India's interests and the foreign secretary delivered message in unambiguous terms.


Taking Stock of Relations

Misri said, "Today's discussions have given both of us the opportunity to take stock of our relations, and I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid, and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors. I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship... We have always seen in the past and we continue to see in the future, this relationship as a people-centric and people-oriented relationship, one that has the benefit of all the people as its central motivational force."

"This is reflected on a daily basis in the development projects that have been executed on the ground in Bangladesh and that continue to be developed. It is also reflected in the mutually beneficial engagement we have on a whole set of issues ranging from trade, commerce, connectivity, power, water and energy and development cooperation, consular cooperation, and cultural cooperation. There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interests of both our peoples," Misri emphasised.

'Peaceful, Inclusive' B'desh

Misri called on chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain. He also held foreign office consultations with the foreign secretary of Bangladesh, Jashim Uddin.

During these meetings, Misri highlighted India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He reiterated India's willingness to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, based on mutual trust and respect and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests, officials said.