Modi Meets Yunus: Mutual Respect Amid Shifting Relations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed both respect and candid reflections during a bilateral meeting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This was the first direct meeting between the two leaders.
According to a Facebook post by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Modi said during the meeting: "During the period of good relations between India and Sheikh Hasina, we have witnessed her disrespectful behavior towards you. But we have shown you respect."
In contrast, Dr. Yunus has repeatedly emphasized in recent times that Bangladesh seeks the “best possible relations” with India—relations that must be founded on “justice, equity, and mutual respect.”
The press secretary noted that the Indian Prime Minister was "highly respectful" towards Dr. Yunus throughout the meeting and also praised his work.
Regarding the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s possible extradition, which was reportedly raised by Dr. Yunus, Shafiqul Alam stated: “Prime Minister Modi’s reaction was not negative when the issue of Hasina’s extradition was raised. We are confident that one day Hasina will be extradited to Dhaka, and we will witness the trial of the century.”
He further added that it was clearly evident in the meeting that India aims to reshape its relations with Bangladesh under a new framework. “Modi repeatedly emphasized that India’s relationship is with the people of Bangladesh—not with any single party or individual,” the press secretary wrote.
