In a significant diplomatic development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, during his visit to Bangkok, Thailand. This high-level meeting is considered crucial amid strained ties between India and Bangladesh following the recent political transition in Dhaka.

First Official Meeting Since the Power Shift in Bangladesh

This was the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders since Muhammad Yunus assumed charge as the interim administrator in Bangladesh. Relations between the two nations had cooled since the transition of power, with increasing concerns over border security and infiltration incidents. Additionally, Yunus has faced internal opposition in Bangladesh, with growing public calls for fresh national elections.

Yunus had been eager to meet Prime Minister Modi, and the opportunity arose during the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. Although the two leaders were seen seated apart during a state dinner earlier, they later met in person for official discussions.

Yunus Shares a Photograph with PM Modi

During the summit, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hosted a formal dinner on Wednesday night. At this event, PM Modi and Muhammad Yunus were seen seated together, signifying a softening of diplomatic tone. Yunus later shared a photograph from the dinner, held at the Shangri-La Hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, where he was seated next to Prime Minister Modi.

This interaction marks a turning point in India-Bangladesh relations. It is the first meeting between Modi and Yunus since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left office in August 2024. The departure of Hasina, along with a rise in attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, had led to tensions in the bilateral relationship.

A Diplomatic Reset on the Horizon?

The Modi-Yunus meeting is viewed as a key step towards mending relations. It comes in the backdrop of Yunus’s recent visit to China, where he reportedly made remarks about India’s northeastern region—statements that were not well received by New Delhi. This meeting, therefore, holds both diplomatic and strategic significance, as it may open a new chapter in India-Bangladesh cooperation.