In a high-stakes diplomatic engagement, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to meet Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on December 9, 2024, marking the first visit by a senior Indian official to Dhaka since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August. The visit comes amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh over several pressing issues.
Mr. Misri’s agenda includes Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and meetings with key figures in the Bangladeshi government, including Chief Adviser Yunus and Foreign Adviser Touhid Hussain. The latter had previously met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the United Nations General Assembly session in September.
The discussions are expected to cover a range of bilateral and regional concerns. Top priorities include:
Security Concerns: The safety of diplomatic missions, particularly after the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, will be a key issue.
Minority Rights: Recent attacks on minorities and the jailing of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh are likely to be highlighted as areas of concern for India.
Economic Cooperation: Talks will address trade and the status of Indian infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, many of which have faced delays or scrutiny under the new regime.
The visit also coincides with a contentious pause on the Adani electricity agreement, which is under investigation for high tariff rates. Further strain emerged with reports that the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is considering terminating an agreement with Airtel that enables India to use Bangladesh as a transit route for broadband services to its northeastern states.
While Bangladeshi officials have described the meeting as “routine,” the political backdrop adds gravity to the talks. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India, was a key ally in fostering strong India-Bangladesh relations. The change in leadership has introduced new uncertainties in bilateral ties, particularly in areas of security and economic partnerships.
This visit is seen as a critical opportunity to recalibrate India-Bangladesh relations amidst the shifting political landscape and mounting bilateral challenges.
