New Delhi, April 2025 — India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed both hope and concern regarding the political developments in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of democratic continuity while warning against the rise of extremist elements in the country.
Speaking at News18’s flagship Rising India Summit held on Wednesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Jaishankar said he is optimistic that national elections will be held in Bangladesh soon.
“Bangladesh has a democratic tradition. Elections are essential for democracy. It is through elections that mandates are given and renewed. We are hopeful that they will follow this path,” he stated.
Jaishankar’s comments came amid increasing political uncertainty in Bangladesh, following the recent transition of power to an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. India’s top diplomat also reaffirmed the deep-rooted and historical bond between the two nations.
In a separate statement reported by Indian media outlet Firstpost, Jaishankar addressed India’s concerns over recent violent developments in Bangladesh. Referring to a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Yunus during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Jaishankar said, “Our key message during the meeting was that our relationship with Bangladesh is historic and unparalleled. It is a people-to-people relationship, and deeper than any other. We must acknowledge this bond.”
However, he didn’t shy away from expressing concern over the troubling signs emerging from across the border. “The messages we are receiving from the people, and the rise in extremist tendencies, are troubling. We are also concerned about attacks on minorities,” Jaishankar warned, noting that these issues were openly discussed during the Modi-Yunus meeting.
He added, “No other country wants what’s best for Bangladesh more than India does — it’s in our DNA. As a friend and well-wisher, we hope to see Bangladesh stay on the right path and do the right thing.”
With Bangladesh grappling with rising reports of political violence, suppression of dissent, and persecution of legal professionals and minority communities, India’s diplomatic remarks appear to signal both a warning and a gesture of support for democratic values in the region.