New Delhi, 14 February 2025: India raised concerns about the situation in Bangladesh during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump. The discussions took place against the backdrop of deteriorating India-Bangladesh ties following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim government last August.
Political circles in Dhaka have speculated about a possible role of the US “deep state” in the protests that led to the Awami League government’s fall. Trump, when asked about these claims before his talks with Modi, dismissed any US involvement. “Well, there was no role for our deep state. This is something that the Prime Minister’s been working on for a long time and has been worked on for hundreds of years, frankly. I’ve been reading about it, but I will leave Bangladesh to the Prime Minister,” he said, though it was unclear what Indian efforts he was referencing.
After the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Bangladesh was part of the discussions. “The Prime Minister shared his views and, indeed, his concerns regarding recent developments in Bangladesh and how India sees the situation,” Misri stated, a remark that could strain ties with the caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Though Misri did not elaborate, India has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. New Delhi is also wary of growing military and intelligence ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Additionally, statements by Bangladeshi student leaders affiliated with the interim government, perceived as hostile to Indian interests, have added to tensions. Dhaka’s opposition to fencing the remaining unfenced sections of the international border has further aggravated concerns.
Misri expressed hope that relations with Bangladesh would take a “constructive and stable” direction but acknowledged ongoing issues. “There are concerns about the situation, and the Prime Minister shared those views with President Trump,” he said.
Recent tensions have led to diplomatic exchanges, with India and Bangladesh summoning each other’s top envoys in New Delhi and Dhaka. Bangladesh protested against what it called “false and fabricated” statements by Hasina from self-exile in India, while New Delhi condemned the mob-led destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhaka.
