In a recent development aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India has responded to Bangladesh’s call for proactive measures. The regional alliance has been facing challenges, with Pakistan being singled out for its disruptive role.
The meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jayshankar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Undersecretary Touhid Hossain in Muscat during the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) summit shed light on various bilateral issues. Both sides engaged in discussions to bolster SAARC’s functionality.
Addressing reporters at a weekly briefing in New Delhi, Randeep Jayaswal, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, elaborated on the dialogue that transpired during the meeting. The focus was on Bangladesh’s efforts to make SAARC more effective in the region, emphasizing the need for all South Asian countries to understand the reasons behind any hindrances faced by the organization.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amidst student protests on August 5th, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus took charge of an interim administration on August 8th. Under this new leadership, the government has been vocal about SAARC’s role in the region. Analysts attribute SAARC’s recent inefficacy to the strained relations between India and Pakistan post-2014, which have hindered major summits.
During the Muscat meeting, Jayshankar expressed India’s concern to the Bangladesh Foreign Undersecretary, highlighting the need for Bangladesh to avoid normalizing terrorism. Quoting the Foreign Minister’s statement, “It is crucial that Bangladesh does not normalize terrorism.”
Since Sheikh Hasina’s government’s downfall, India has remained cautious about Bangladesh, addressing various issues, including allegations of minority persecutions. On the flip side, Bangladesh has expressed strong objections to incidents like attacks by radical Hindu groups at the Bangladeshi embassy in Agartala, as well as border killings.
Moreover, India has urged Dhaka to repatriate Sheikh Hasina, accused in the deaths of nearly fifteen hundred people, back to India. However, no formal request has been made in this regard.
The dialogue between India and Bangladesh’s Foreign Undersecretary Touhid Hossain touched upon various bilateral interests during the meeting. Both countries are keen on addressing mutual concerns to foster better relations and regional cooperation.
In conclusion, India’s proactive stance in addressing regional challenges within SAARC underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among South Asian nations. The engagement between India and Bangladesh signifies a step towards strengthening ties and finding common ground to tackle shared issues effectively.
