Indian Foreign Secretary Arrives in Bangladesh for Key Talks

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

In the midst of increasingly strained relations and rising criticism over post-August 5 developments, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for critical talks aimed at addressing a range of bilateral concerns. The visit marks the first by a senior Indian official since the formation of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus in August.

Foreign Secretary Misri will meet his counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, for the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), where both sides will engage in detailed discussions on pressing issues. The FOC serves as a structured dialogue platform between the two countries and is expected to cover a variety of key topics.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Misri's visit is scheduled for December 9, during which he will hold several meetings in addition to the FOC talks. "We look forward to this important meeting," Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

On the Bangladesh side, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam emphasized that the talks would cover a broad spectrum of issues vital to the bilateral relationship, including trade, border management, connectivity, and water-sharing agreements. "Discussions are ongoing," Alam stated, underscoring that both sides are working to address all elements of their partnership.

Tensions have flared between the two nations in recent months, particularly over legal and political matters. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a member of the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, in Dhaka on November 25 under sedition charges, has drawn attention. The MEA reiterated its hope that Das’ legal rights will be respected and that the trial will be fair and transparent. "We urge that the legal process is conducted in a transparent and just manner," Jaiswal added.

The FOC talks are also expected to touch on sensitive matters such as the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in early August and remains in India under political asylum. Hasina faces charges of involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising, and while the Bangladesh government is intent on seeking her extradition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to receive formal instructions to initiate the process.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s desire for "reciprocal" relations with India, emphasizing that both countries must work towards mutual respect and cooperation. "We seek good relations, but it must be on the basis of reciprocity," he said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The most recent Foreign Office Consultation took place in New Delhi on November 24, 2023, where both countries reviewed the entire spectrum of their bilateral ties, including security, trade, water management, energy cooperation, and development assistance for Bangladesh. The discussions also covered broader regional and multilateral issues, reflecting the growing complexity of their relationship.

As Misri’s visit unfolds, both nations will likely focus on recalibrating their diplomatic ties to address the range of challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.