Modi, Yunus hold first talks since strain in ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday directly conveyed India's deep concerns about the safety of Bangladesh's Hindus and other minorities to interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and said he expects Dhaka to ensure their security and thoroughly investigate instances of atrocities against them.

- Rezaul H Laskar

The two leaders met for the first time since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in student-led protests last August on the margins of the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok. The security of Bangladesh's minorities has emerged as the most contentious issue between the two sides since then, with New Delhi repeatedly urging Dhaka to ensure their security.

Several other contentious issues, including the caretaker administration's request for extraditing Hasina, the management of the border and transnational crimes, and the holding of elections in Bangladesh, figured in the 40-minute meeting. An Indian statement offered no characterization of the talks, while a Bangladeshi readout described the meeting as "candid, productive and constructive".

Modi underlined India's "deep concerns" about the safety of Bangladesh's minorities, including Hindus, and "expressed his expectation that the government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating all cases of atrocities committed against them", foreign secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing.

Modi also said the two sides should avoid rhetoric that vitiates the environment and hoped all issues of mutual interest will be addressed and resolved "bilaterally through constructive discussions" in the interest of mutually beneficial ties.