At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, 2025, leaders from the Bay of Bengal region gathered to strengthen cooperation on trade, disaster response, and regional security. Yet, it was the highly anticipated bilateral between Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, that emerged as the defining moment of the summit.
This meeting marked the first high-level dialogue between the two leaders since the sudden fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 and the sharp cooling of India- Bangladesh relations. The political shift in Dhaka and India’s decision to allow Hasina temporary refuge led to growing tensions. Calls from the new administration in Bangladesh for her extradition have remained unanswered, stirring public and diplomatic pressure on both sides.
Sources familiar with the discussion revealed that the conversation began with formal pleasantries but quickly turned toward the key issues straining ties. Prime Minister Modi reportedly set the tone early, saying, “India stands for a stable, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh. But we are deeply concerned by the reports of growing hostility towards minorities, especially the Hindu community, in recent months.”
He continued, emphasizing the emotional and cultural links shared between the two nations: “This relationship is not just strategic. It’s built on blood, history, and values. We hope your government ensures that all communities feel safe and heard.”
Muhammad Yunus responded with guarded diplomacy. He acknowledged India’s role in Bangladesh’s independence and said, “We understand India’s concerns. But we expect equal respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty. The people of Bangladesh deserve the right to chart their own path without outside interference.”
On the issue of Sheikh Hasina, Yunus did not soften his stance. He reiterated Dhaka’s formal position, saying, “We have asked for the return of a former Prime Minister who is facing charges of serious misconduct. We expect New Delhi to respond in good faith.”
Modi, according to Indian officials, held firm but was careful not to escalate. He explained that India is reviewing the matter in line with international legal obligations and human rights considerations. “This is not a matter of political convenience,” he said. “It’s a matter of law and principle. We are committed to cooperation, but not at the cost of fairness or justice.”
The mood reportedly improved toward the end of the 45-minute meeting, with both sides agreeing to keep communication lines open and avoid public confrontations. Although no joint statement was issued, the bilateral helped ease the atmosphere of mistrust that had settled over the India-Bangladesh relationship in recent months.
This dialogue became the summit’s most talked-about event. It underscored India’s growing use of BIMSTEC as a strategic alternative to SAARC, where progress has long been stalled due to Pakistan-India tensions. India’s pivot toward BIMSTEC reflects its effort to build stronger, more functional ties with its eastern and southern neighbors, especially in the Bay of Bengal region.
Beyond the diplomatic drama, the larger takeaway from this meeting was India’s message: that it will defend its principles, protect regional minorities, and remain firm against domestic and international pressures when its values are at stake. At the same time, the Modi government showed maturity by opting for engagement over confrontation.
For Bangladesh, the meeting was a reminder that managing relations with India is not just about regional politics but domestic stability too. While the Hasina issue remains unresolved, the dialogue created space for both governments to find common ground without appearing to retreat from their public positions.
As the summit closed, India-Bangladesh relations at the BIMSTEC Summit 2025 remained tense but not irreparable. The leaders parted with a cautious handshake and perhaps a silent understanding that diplomacy—no matter how strained—must always leave the door open.