The United States has called upon India and Bangladesh to address their disputes through diplomatic channels. During a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed, “We encourage all parties to resolve their differences peacefully.” This statement was made in light of the recent visit by India’s foreign secretary to Bangladesh. Earlier this week, foreign secretary Vikram Misri traveled to Dhaka to express New Delhi’s concerns regarding the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. At the end of his visit, Misri remarked, “I emphasized India’s commitment to collaborate closely with the interim government of Bangladesh. Additionally, we had the chance to discuss various recent developments and issues, including our concerns about the safety and welfare of minorities.” He also pointed out that both nations took the opportunity to assess their bilateral relations, underscoring India’s goal of fostering a “positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship” with Bangladesh.
Misri characterized the relationship between India and Bangladesh as “people-centric and people-oriented,” with the welfare of all citizens serving as the primary motivation. Tensions between the two countries have escalated since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid significant protests led by student groups in August, which resulted in the establishment of an interim government under Yunus. Hasina has sought asylum in India, while Yunus and other leaders of the caretaker government have indicated their desire to pursue her extradition. The power vacuum following Hasina’s departure has been accompanied by violence, including assaults on Hindus and other minority groups, as well as the arson of the Indian government-operated Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka. Additionally, protests have erupted in several Indian states bordering Bangladesh, such as West Bengal and Tripura, following the arrest of Das, who is facing sedition charges.In the capital city of Tripura, Agartala, a significant number of protesters forcefully entered the Bangladeshi consulate last week, resulting in property damage and the desecration of the Bangladeshi flag.
