PM Modi Speaks Tough With Muhammed Yunus! Cautions Bangladesh on Minority Safety

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Friday, April 4, during the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, delivering a clear message on diplomatic sensitivity and minority protection.

During the meeting, PM Modi advised Yunus to steer clear of rhetoric that could create negativity between India and Bangladesh. His remarks came after Yunus, during a visit to China, controversially referred to Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean” in the region while making comments about India’s Northeast.

Strained Ties & India’s Concerns

This was PM Modi's first interaction with Yunus since he took office in August 2024 following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since then, India-Bangladesh relations have been under strain, particularly due to concerns over violence against Hindus and the rise of hardline Islamist forces in Bangladesh.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to a stable, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh. “The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided,” Misri stated.

Additionally, Modi raised concerns over border security, stressing the need for strict enforcement of laws and prevention of illegal crossings.

Yunus’ Controversial Remarks on Northeast India

Muhammad Yunus stirred controversy by describing India’s seven northeastern states as a “landlocked” region with no direct ocean access. He suggested that Bangladesh, being the “only guardian of the ocean” in the area, could serve as an economic extension for China.

Modi’s firm stance signals India’s growing unease with the shifting geopolitical narrative in the region. While India remains committed to a constructive relationship with Bangladesh, PM Modi’s words highlight the importance of responsible diplomacy and regional stability.