India has emphasized that Bangladesh should not view terrorism as a normal issue. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed this message to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain during a sideline meeting at the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman.
At a press conference on Friday (February 21), Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to a journalist’s query regarding discussions on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) during the meeting. Reports suggested that Bangladesh is interested in reviving SAARC.
Jaiswal confirmed that the topic was raised by the Bangladeshi side. He stated that everyone in South Asia is aware of the factors hindering SAARC’s functionality. Jaishankar reiterated that it is crucial for Bangladesh to take terrorism seriously.
Another journalist asked whether recent critical remarks by some members of Bangladesh’s interim government about India have affected bilateral discussions. Jaiswal acknowledged these comments and noted that they are not conducive to cooperation. He added that those making such statements should be aware of their consequences and the significance of their positions.