Foreign Secretary to visit Dhaka amid strained ties between India, Bangladesh

New Delhi, Dec 6: Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, is set to visit Dhaka on December 9, 2024, for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with his Bangladeshi counterparts, Ministry of External Affairs said. The visit comes at a delicate time, with the relationship between the two nations remains strained over issues of minority rights and rising extremism in Bangladesh.

Announcing the visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted its purpose as part of India’s structured diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh. “The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh for Foreign Office Consultations on December 9, 2024. This is part of our structured interactions with the Bangladesh side,” Jaiswal stated.

The talks will focus on enhancing cooperation in security, trade, and regional stability. However, the backdrop to this visit is far from routine. It follows months of rising violence against minorities, in Bangladesh—an issue that has deeply concerned New Delhi.

The recent rise in extremist violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh has become a flashpoint in Indo-Bangladesh relations. India has expressed grave concerns, urging the Bangladeshi government to take decisive action to ensure the safety of its minority communities.

Further complicating the diplomatic relations is the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka last month on charges of sedition. The case has drawn criticism from Indian officials, who have called for transparency and justice in the legal proceedings.

“We have spoken on this issue earlier and would like to reiterate our expectation that relevant legal processes underway in Bangladesh are executed in a fair, just, and transparent manner,” Jaiswal emphasised in a press briefing when asked a question. He added that the case reflects broader concerns over the treatment of minorities and adherence to the rule of law in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has faced mounting criticism for its handling of minority issues. The government has assured India that it remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of their religion. However, the lack of swift and effective action has fuelled scepticism in New Delhi.

The outcome of Misri’s visit could have significant implications for the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations. While the discussions will cover trade and regional security, the spotlight will remain on human rights issues and minority protections.