On March 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, with a letter commemorating the nation’s National Day. This day marks the anniversary of Bangladesh's declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971, a significant milestone in the country’s history.
In his letter, Modi extended heartfelt greetings to Yunus and the citizens of Bangladesh. He emphasized the importance of the day, stating, “This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership.” Modi’s message underscored the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, which he described as a guiding light for the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
However, the letter comes at a time when relations between the two countries are strained, primarily due to ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Since the interim government led by Yunus took power following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, there have been over 2,374 reported incidents of violence against minorities, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. Out of these, police verified only 1,254 incidents, with the Bangladeshi government categorizing 98% of them as “political in nature.”
Modi’s outreach is particularly significant as it follows a request from the Bangladeshi interim government for a meeting between Yunus and Modi during the upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, scheduled for early April. Although the meeting has not been confirmed, it reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the tensions between the two nations.
In his letter, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to advancing the partnership with Bangladesh, stating, “We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns.” This sentiment highlights the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in fostering better relations.
The backdrop of Modi's letter also includes concerns expressed by Indian leaders regarding the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Following the political upheaval in August, Modi and Yunus had a phone conversation where they discussed the safety of these communities. Modi had previously tweeted about this call, saying, “Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus. Exchanged views on the prevailing situation. Reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh.”
In a recent parliamentary meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the current state of affairs in Bangladesh, noting the rise of disruptive factional forces and the “continued release of Islamist extremists” by the interim government. He described this situation as a significant concern for both regional and global security.
As Bangladesh celebrates its National Day, the country is also navigating complex political dynamics. Yunus, while managing internal issues, is currently in Beijing to attract Chinese investments, particularly in the manufacturing sector. His Press Secretary indicated that Yunus had hoped to visit India before heading to China, but the request did not receive a favorable response from Indian authorities.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Modi’s letter serves as a reminder of the historical ties that bind India and Bangladesh. The shared sacrifices of the past continue to resonate in their diplomatic engagements, and both nations are aware that fostering mutual understanding is essential for a peaceful coexistence.
The situation remains fluid, and as both leaders navigate these turbulent waters, the emphasis on dialogue and cooperation may pave the way for improved relations in the future. How the upcoming BIMSTEC summit will influence this relationship remains to be seen, but the commitment to mutual sensitivity and shared aspirations for stability and prosperity will undoubtedly play a crucial role.
