Yunus Awaits Modi’s Response for Summit Meeting Amid Strained Ties

Bangladesh is waiting for a response from India about a possible meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting could happen during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok next week. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md. Jashim Uddin, said they are ready for the meeting and hope India will respond positively.

Tensions between the two countries have risen since a change of government in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. Back then, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to leave for India after her Awami League party lost power. Both Yunus and Modi are expected to attend the summit in Thailand, and Bangladesh has suggested they meet there to discuss their issues.

Jashim acknowledged the current strain in relations but believes that meeting could improve things. Recently, an Indian official said they had no updates about the meeting between Yunus and Modi.

Before going to Thailand, Yunus will visit China for three days, starting Wednesday, to attend a business summit called the Boao Forum for Asia. While in China, he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping. One topic they might discuss is the Teesta River, an important water resource that Bangladesh and India share. Yunus said that while the Teesta isn’t officially on the agenda, discussions about water management might include it.

During his time in China, Yunus will also talk about the situation in Myanmar and how to help Rohingya refugees return home. There are plans to sign agreements on human resource development and economic cooperation. Additionally, they will talk about security and military cooperation.

Jashim Uddin described China as a close friend of Bangladesh and said that this friendship is mutual.