External Affairs Minister Meets Bangladesh Counterpart

• 17 Feb 2025

On 16th February 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in Muscat to address bilateral tensions concerning attacks on minorities and the continued stay of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.

• The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.

Key Points

• Bilateral Relations & Border Talks: Both leaders acknowledged recent diplomatic exchanges and emphasized resolving border-related issues in an upcoming border guard meeting.
• BIMSTEC & Regional Cooperation: The meeting also covered India-Bangladesh relations within the framework of BIMSTEC, ahead of its summit in Bangkok (April 2-4).
• Indian Ocean Security: At the conference, Indian EAM highlighted geopolitical shifts in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, advocating for a “coordinated flotilla” to ensure regional stability.
• Global Tensions: Iran’s Foreign criticized U.S. sanctions, warning against foreign interference in regional politics.
• India’s Strategic Role: Indian EAM reaffirmed India’s commitment as a “first responder” in crises, citing its $4 billion package for Sri Lanka and support for regional stability.